Padres star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. will begin a Double A rehab assignment this weekend, marking a significant step in his recovery and return from offseason wrist surgery, manager Bob Melvin said Friday.
San Diego’s freshly-minted $340 million man has not played at all this season, as the 23-year-old has spent the bulk of the season recovering from the surgery.
A healthy Tatis Jr. would instantly boost a Padres team that entered Friday night with a 61–47 record and in good position in the National League wild-card race.
San Diego has been able to roll through the season without its best player, and it also added outfielder Juan Soto from the Nationals at the trade deadline.