Breaking News: Padres Manager Mike Shildt Casts Uncertainty on Star Player’s All-Star Game Status
SAN DIEGO (AP) — San Diego Padres star right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. is expected to miss the All-Star Game due to a stress reaction in his right thigh bone.
“That seems to be a fair assessment,” said manager Mike Shildt on Friday before the Padres began their weekend series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Tatis was not present in the clubhouse when it was open to the media.
Tatis was selected to start for the National League team, alongside Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar.
He hasn’t played since June 21 due to the injury, which he mentioned has been affecting him for much of the season. Tatis indicated that he could be out beyond the All-Star break.
“It’s a significant period,” Tatis said when asked about his return timeline. “I don’t want to specify because it will set expectations. But it will take some time. We’re aiming to return after the All-Star Game, but this is a serious issue with my right leg bone.”
“It could worsen, and we want to avoid that,” Tatis said. “I was playing through it and might have continued, but the doctors advised treating it now to prevent further complications. It’s the better option.”
Tatis leads the Padres with 14 home runs and transitioned from shortstop to right field last year, earning both the NL Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards.
He was selected as the NL starting shortstop in 2021.
Drey Jameson completes first bullpen session since Tommy John surgery
Before the Diamondbacks’ series opener against the Padres on Friday, manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that Drey Jameson has completed his first bullpen session since undergoing Tommy John surgery about 10 months ago, according to Jesse Friedman.
Jameson, who was drafted in the first round of the 2019 draft by Arizona, made his MLB debut late in the 2022 season. He pitched 24.1 innings, allowing just four earned runs, and threw a seven-inning shutout against the Padres on September 15th, giving up only two hits.
Expecting to build on this performance in his full rookie season, Jameson moved into a mid-reliever role for the D-backs. From April to July, he had a 3.32 ERA, starting three games and appearing in 12 more out of the bullpen.
Drey Jameson threw his first bullpen today coming off Tommy John surgery, manager Torey Lovullo said.
— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) July 5, 2024
However, after a three-inning appearance against the Mets in early July, Jameson was placed on the 60-day IL with a torn UCL. Although he initially chose extensive rehab over Tommy John surgery, he opted for the surgery in September, about three months after the injury.
Getting back on the mound for a bullpen session is a positive step in his lengthy recovery process, as Jameson works toward returning to the Diamondbacks’ bullpen in 2025.
