Fernando Tatis Jr. is branded a ‘CHEATER’ by minor league pitcher after PED suspension

Fernando Tatis Jr. is eligible to return to the MLB later this month, but judging from his current stint in the minors, the negative perceptions of him may far outlast the 80-game PED suspension he’s serving.

Tatis was suspended on August 12 after testing positive for Clostebol, a synthetic form of testosterone, and missed the entire season as he was recovering from wrist surgery at the time.

And while the 24-year-old isn’t eligible to play for the Padres until April 20, he’s been on the field with the team’s Triple-A affiliate – and is already ruffling some feathers in the minors.

In just his second appearance for the El Paso Chihuahuas, Tatis blasted a home run off of Sacramento River Cats pitcher Kade McClure, and the righty made his thoughts clear on Tatis after the game.

McClure said on Twitter that Tatis was a ‘cheater’ who ‘[hit] a homerun on a rehab assignment during a steroid suspension,’ in response to a clip of the home run.

Tatis, who was also booed by fans as he rounded the bases following the solo home run, acknowledged in February how difficult this season could be. 

Fernando Tatis Jr. blasted a home run off of pitcher Kade McClure on Wednesday night

Tatis is still serving an 80-game MLB suspension but can return later this month for the Padres

‘It’s going to be one of the most emotional years, I feel like, in my career,’ Tatis told reporters. ‘I’m looking to embrace it.’

Tatis will play with El Paso for the next two weeks, and also appeared in 16 games for the Padres in spring training last month. 

He batted .273 with two homers in 44 at-bats in those contests.

Tatis lost his Adidas sponsorship as a result of the suspension, and offered an extensive apology for his actions last year.

‘I’m truly sorry. I’m really sorry,’ the shortstop said Tuesday. ‘I have let so many people down. I have lost so much love from people. I have failed.

‘I failed the front office, the San Diego Padres, (owner) Peter Seidler, (general manager) A.J. Preller. I have failed the fans of this city, I have failed my country, I have failed my family, parents. I’m really sorry for my mistakes. I have seen how my dreams have turned into my worst nightmares. … There is no one else to blame but myself.’