San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. suspended 80 games after testing positive for PEDs

7:09 p.m. ET

• Jeff Passan ESPN

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  ESPN MLB Insider Author of “The Arm: Inside the Billion-Dollar Mystery of the Most Valuable Commodity in Sports”

San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Tatis’ suspension, announced by MLB on Friday, is effective immediately.

“We were surprised and extremely disappointed to learn today that Fernando Tatis Jr. tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and has subsequently received an 80-game suspension without pay,” the Padres said in a statement. “We fully support the program and hope that Fernando will learn from this experience.”

Tatis, 23, is one of MLB’s biggest stars, the center of multiple marketing campaigns and is in the second season of a 14-year, $340 million contract.

Tatis is currently on a minor league rehab assignment after missing the first four months of the season with a broken left wrist and will now be on the restricted list for the Padres’ final 48 regular season games.

After becoming a star in his rookie season at age 20, Tatis, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound shortstop whose power, speed and penchant for the spectacular won him legions of fans, finished fourth in National League MVP voting in his sophomore campaign . Last year, he went even better, signing a record deal, finishing third in MVP voting and cementing himself as one of the best players in the game.

The Padres slumped but had high hopes for 2022 after hiring Bob Melvin as their new manager. During the lockout that delayed spring training, Tatis broke his wrist in a motorcycle accident, requiring surgery. San Diego has vowed to take his rehab slowly and is buzzing with anticipation for a lineup with Tatis leading off, new acquisition Juan Soto hitting second and third baseman Manny Machado third.

Tatis’ contract remains fully guaranteed for the next dozen seasons, in which he is owed $324 million. Tatis has a full no-trade clause until 2028. In 273 career games, Tatis is hitting .292/.369/.569 with 81 home runs, 192 RBI and 52 stolen bases.