San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a home run in Triple-A.
He is playing there and not in the majors at the moment because he is still serving a portion of his 80-game suspension from last year.
He tested positive for Clostebol, a substance in violation of MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, in March, although it was announced in the summer.
Most of that suspension was served last year, but he still has a handful of games to go.
In the meantime, he is staying ready at Triple-A El Paso.
This home run came against San Francisco Giants minor leaguer Kade McClure.
McClure found a highlight of the home run and wrote the following: “cheater hits a home run on a rehab assignment during a steroid suspension.”
People, naturally, called him out on Twitter.
You just have to go to the responses to see some of the responses.
The tweet has since been deleted, but the replies remain.
OH YOU WENT THERE pic.twitter.com/9nx1lyOWez
— The Game Day MLB (@TheGameDayMLB) April 6, 2023
Brother you threw a meatball.
Now I am a Padres fan but he didn’t cheat the game. He cheated himself by trying to get back quick and will have to pay for it his entire career.
Being bitter, as you can tell by your mentions, is not it. #ThoughtYouDidSomething
— OpTic Di3seL (@Di3seL_) April 6, 2023
He did throw a “meatball”: a 93 mph fastball that Tatis quickly attacked and sent to the moon.
It was a poorly-executed pitch, but it happens.
Whether McClure is right or not, sometimes it is best not to react negatively after being beaten.
It just projects a negative image of someone trying to find excuses.
Even Colorado Rockies pitcher Logan Allen had a recommendation for McClure.
Sometimes it’s better to keep your opinions to yourself. 😶
— Logan Allen (@Logan__Allen) April 6, 2023
Tatis did break the rules, but no good thing can come out of McClure’s tweet.
People certainly didn’t hold back:
You’re Beyond Pathetic!!!!! 👎👎👎👎👎
—Jeanie P. (@pixiereal) April 6, 2023
He should be focusing on improving as a pitcher and not on what he can’t control.
Despite some elevated ERAs in the minors, there is talent in his arm.
Last year, he struck out 96 hitters in 87 frames in Triple-A.
Hopefully he learns from the experience.
NEXT:
Minor League Pitcher Decides To Roast Fernando Tatis Jr. After Home Run