Rookie Tatis Jr. returns to Padres after missing 34 games
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Prized rookie shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. is back with the San Diego Padres and vowing to play at full speed after missing 34 games with a strained left hamstring.
He was scheduled to bat leadoff when the Padres opened a four-game series against the Washington Nationals on Thursday night.
Tatis said it took a bit longer to get back than he anticipated but he understood taking the time to make sure it was healed.
He has no plans to ease back.
“I’m not a liar. I’m going 100 percent,” Tatis said after returning from a brief rehab assignment. “There’s a part of me telling me to go slower but sorry, I can’t play the game like that.”
He was hurt in a loss at Washington on April 28 when he did an awkward split while stretching for a throw at second base.
