San Diego Padres react to Fernando Tatis Jr. suspension: ‘You hope he grows up’

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The news that San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance resulting in an 80-game suspension rocked the world of baseball Friday night. 

It also rocked an organization with World Series aspirations. 

Juan Soto, left, of the San Diego Padres and GM A.J. Preller answer questions during a news conference to introduce Soto August 3, 2022, at Petco Park in San Diego.  (Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

The Padres went all-in at Major League Baseball’s trade deadline, trading for superstar outfielder Juan Soto and first baseman Josh Bell. The deal immediately catapulted San Diego into the World Series conversation, especially with Tatis Jr.  expected to return to the diamond some time in the second half.

Tatis missed the first three months of the season recovering from offseason wrist surgery. 

PADRES’ FERNANDO TATIS JR. SUSPENDED 80 GAMES FOR PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS

Just last weekend, Tatis Jr. headed to San Antonio to start his rehab assignment as his 2022 debut neared. The thought of Tatis Jr. next to Soto, Bell and Manny Machado would put fear into any pitcher come October. 

Now, the Padres will try and recover from the disappointment of losing their All-Star shortstop for the rest of the regular season, the playoffs and a portion of the 2023 season. 

The San Diego Padres' Manny Machado  is congratulated by teammates after his home run during the fourth inning of a game against the Miami Marlins May 5, 2022, in San Diego.  (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

"It’s very disappointing," Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller said Friday night, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. "He’s