When a baseball legend publicly praises a controversial star, it often sparks divided opinions and heated debates. This time, it’s a well-known figure with deep roots in baseball who has stepped forward to express his opinion on Fernando Tatis Jr. Yes, it’s the same Fernando Tatis Jr., who tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance in 2023, causing a doping scandal that affected the San Diego Padres.
MLB insider Héctor Gómez shared on X the bold claim surrounding Tatis Jr., by former Dodgers coach Manny Mota. Coach Mota firmly believes that “Fernando Tatis Jr. is the best and most complete Dominican baseball player currently in the MLB.” And that wasn’t all! He also emphasized that Tatis Jr. is an all-around player with five tools. And what are those five tools? Hitting for average, power, speed, arm strength, and fielding ability.
Sep 13, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) hits an RBI double against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Many may not agree with Mota’s words for Tatis Jr. But it’s fair to mention that the infielder’s stats do back up all of those claims. After all, Tatis Jr. has displayed versatility, with a staggering .286/.355/.507 slash line in 2019. In the majors, he raised the bar with a .969 OPS in the same year. Such remarkable stats place him among the elite names like Mike Trout.
And so Padres’ manager Mike Shildt agrees! Following the spectacular display by Tatis Jr. against the Oakland Athletics, Shildt was captivated by his athletic prowess. He said, “If Fernando Tatis, you know, takes his walks and manages the strike zone, like he is doing now, we are going to continue to see what you are seeing now, and that is elite.”
However, not everyone agrees. Mota’s words seem to have sparked a debate that won’t be resolved anytime soon. Especially given Tatis Jr.’s history of using a performance-enhancing drug. In 2022, he was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for Clostebol (a performance-enhancing substance). It not only affected his legacy but also heavily impacted the Padres that season. Now that Mota has again triggered the subject, fans have been calling Tatis Jr. a “KNOWN. STEROID-USING CHEATER!!!” all over again, even in 2025.
Tatis Jr. is once again in the spotlight, eliciting mixed reactions from fans. However, on the other hand, his powerful comeback has served as a beacon of hope for the San Diego Padres.
Fernando Tatis Jr. opens up about his injury following his return to Padres’ lineup
Following the Padres’ 8-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies, attention turned to Tatis Jr. After leaving Tuesday’s game due to shoulder discomfort, Tatis Jr. has since returned to the lineup. Fans had their fingers crossed, wondering how he would cope with the surgically repaired shoulder. All it took was a 391-foot home run for fans to breathe easy.
Coming back to his remarkable return, he gave the much-needed reassurance, “Good, good. Just working on it.” He continued, “Put in some good work. The training staff has been unbelievable. They are staying on top of it.” He also gave a shoutout to everybody helping him behind the scenes.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres looks on before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park on March 28, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
He was asked whether his shoulder would need close monitoring throughout the season. Tatis Jr. remained positive about it and said, “No, no. Just for now. Stay on top of it and take care of business when it’s needed.” He chose to remain optimistic about it, and it hints at his belief in the recovery stint.
In addition to Tatis Jr., Jake Cronenworth experienced a setback this week. He also left Tuesday’s game early, and he has been placed on the injured list with a fractured right rib. It first came across as a usual bruise that could’ve occurred against the Cubs. But later, it turned out to be much more serious. That’s not it. Jackson Merrill has also been placed on the injured list with hamstring tightness.
Given these concurrent setbacks, the timing is particularly unfortunate. All said and done, for now, the Padres will rely heavily on Tatis Jr. as they seek to build on their impressive 11-3 start.
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