San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday due to a quad injury that’s been bothering him throughout the season. A stress reaction was found in his femur earlier this week.
Tatis was initially sidelined after being hit by a pitch in his elbow during Friday’s 9-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. He didn’t play the rest of the weekend and was placed on the IL on Monday.
Although there was some initial optimism, Tatis now expects to be out for a significant period. While he doesn’t have a specific return date, he isn’t expected back until after the All-Star Game on July 16.
“It’s a huge gap,” Tatis said, via ESPN. “I don’t want to put it out there because people are going to expect stuff. But it’s going to be some time. We know with the right stuff we’re trying to aim after the All-Star Game, but we’re talking about something serious in my bone, in my right leg.”
The Padres will be without Tatis for the foreseeable future, adding to their injury woes with key players like Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, and Xander Bogaerts also sidelined.
This season, Tatis has slashed .279/.354/.468 with 14 home runs and 36 RBI. He had a 17-game hitting streak at one point, making his absence a significant blow to the Padres’ lineup.
In response, the Padres selected Bryce Johnson’s contract. He made his first start in right field on Monday and is expected to share time with veteran David Peralta.