Suspended Tatis had 2nd wrist surgery, expected to be ready for spring

While his teammates prepare to play for the National League pennant, suspended San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. is spending his time getting healthy.

Tatis underwent a second surgery on his left wrist last week, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The procedure reportedly replaced the original screws inserted into his wrist with one central screw and isn't expected to interfere with his offseason routine.

"We were expecting him to be ready to go for spring training," Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller said regarding Tatis' latest surgery. "The timing of the shoulder surgery and the wrist follow-up surgery should line up with the same timeline. He should be able to go for spring training."

The 23-year-old initially needed wrist surgery in March to repair a fractured scaphoid bone that he sustained during an offseason motorcycle accident. The incident occurred during the MLB lockout, so the Padres weren't aware of the injury's severity until they examined it further in spring training. Tatis underwent the second procedure because the team had concerns about how the initial repair might hold up long term, multiple sources told Acee.

Tatis almost finished his minor-league rehab assignment before MLB suspended him for 80 games on Aug. 12 due to a positive drug test. As a result, he became ineligible to participate in San Diego's playoff run. The Padres' postseason contests count toward Tatis' suspension, meaning he's now served 55 games of the ban.

Last month, Tatis had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

The one-time All-Star hit a National League-leading 42 homers despite playing just 130 games in 2021, his first season of a 14-year, $340-million contract with the Padres.