While the president of the baseball department and general manager of the San Diego Padres, AJ Preller, trying to strengthen his team after the disappointing 2021 season, in which they had a 79-83 record, will have a series of decisions to make. He already took one when he hired Bob Melvin as the new manager. There are still changes and free agent signatures to ponder.
The decision of the Dominican shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. not having surgery on his left shoulder could be the biggest for the Padres this offseason. Tatis, a finalist in the MVP pick, visited the disabled list twice in 2021 due to partial shoulder dislocations, something he had previously experienced in the minors. In the end, he decided to opt for therapy and a rehabilitation program designed to strengthen his shoulder.
Similarly, the executive put an end to doubts that surround the querqueyano regarding the position on the pitch who will play in the 2022 season. Preller assured that it will be the short stops where Tatis will be placed as a defender.
“Everybody wants to see Fernando play,” Preller said. “At the end of the day, he’s a super exciting, super shocking player. Everyone’s goal is to look up and see Fernando on the field throughout the season and in the playoffs. ” “At the end of the day, this is the path that he felt he wanted to follow and we supported him in his decision.”
Preller said the Padres gave Tatis as much information as possible, including opinions from doctors outside the organization. They will have to pass 162 games to know if Tatis made the right decision, but the first signs are positive.
“He’s already on his offseason work schedule,” Preller said. “The shoulder is as strong as ever. The tests say it is strengthened. Now it’s a matter of getting ready for the campaign. “
Shaun O’Neill / MLB.com
.
We wish to say thanks to the author of this short article for this awesome web content
MLB: Padres put an end to doubts and reveal what position Fernando Tatis Jr. will play in 2022