BREAKING: Francisco Tatis Jr. Suspended for PEDs After First HR of Season
- Fax Sports
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
WASHINGTON, D.C. - According to multiple reports, including Fax Sports insider Holly Baylor, San Diego Padres superstar Francisco Tatis Jr. has been suspended 162 games for violating MLB’s PED policy, effective immediately.
Tatis tested positive for Nandrolone Decanoate — a banned anabolic steroid — in a random test conducted right in the Padres dugout moments after he crushed his first home run of the 2026 season against the Washington Nationals on Saturday, May 30th.
This is Tatis’ second PED suspension. In 2024 he served 80 games after testing positive and famously blamed... ringworm cream.
Tatis on the suspension: "Man, it’s the same thing again. That ringworm cream from the DR keeps messing me up. I’m devastated for my teammates and the fans, but I know the truth will come out. I’m just gonna focus on getting healthy."
The Profar Connection
Adding fuel to the fire: Atlanta Braves left fielder Jurickson Profar — who is currently serving his own 162-game PED suspension — was reportedly seen “hanging out” in the Padres clubhouse with Tatis before today’s game.
When asked about it, Tatis flat-out denied Profar was even there.
Manager Stammen Stands By His Star
Padres skipper Craig Stammen had this to say: "I’ve known Tati since he was a kid. This is ringworm cream, plain and simple. The kid works his tail off. We’re standing behind him 100%. Baseball will figure this out."
Padres Twitter (X) is MELTING DOWN
Here’s just a sample of the fan reaction pouring in:
@PadresDieHard92: “162 games??? After the ringworm excuse in 2024??? I’m done. Sell the team.”
@TatisJrFanClub: “They’re targeting our guy again. Free Tati!!!”
@SDBaseballTruth: “Profar in the clubhouse before the game and now this? Smells fishy as hell.”
@FriarFaithful: “We finally get healthy and THIS happens? 2026 season is over before June.”
@MLBParodyKing: “Ringworm cream with a 100+ mph exit velo. Sure Jan.”
How Do the Padres Replace Him?
With Tatis out for the rest of 2026, the Padres will likely turn to:
Jackson Merrill shifting to right field (his natural position)
Calling up top prospect Ethan Salas or Robbie Snider for emergency outfield reps
Making a big trade at the deadline (Welcome to San Diego, Tony Ohtani?)
The lineup loses its biggest star, most dynamic athlete, and locker-room lightning rod.
NL West Impact of Tatis Being Suspended for PEDs?
The Dodgers are running away with the division early. Without Tatis, the Padres’ already slim chances of catching L.A. just went from “tough mountain to climb” to “Everest without oxygen.”
A healthy Tatis gave them a puncher’s chance at the playoffs. Now? It’s damage control mode. Expect the front office to get aggressive on the trade market for outfield help before the deadline.
More updates coming as this saga develops.
What do YOU think, Fax Nation? Ringworm cream... again? Or is it time to move on? Drop your hottest takes on Tatis getting suspended for PEDs below.
Stay locked in. This story is far from over.