Padres’ next addition after trading with Juan Soto is coming soon

The San Diego Padres already got Juan Soto, Josh Bell and Brandon Carpenter at the close. But reinforcements are on the way.

The San Diego Padres had a mission at the close of trade, and that was to drastically improve their roster. They did just that, adding Josh Hader, utility man Brandon Drury, first baseman Josh Bell and superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Just when you thought the Padres couldn’t get in better form, a player is closing in on his return.

On Saturday, star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. begins his Saturday rehab stint at Double-A San Antonio. Tatis will beat Leadoff in the game.

Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr. starts rehab assignment on Saturday

The expectation is that Tatis plays shortstop, center field and designated hitter during his rehabilitation.

Tatis was sidelined for the entire 2022 season after breaking his left wrist. He underwent surgery to repair the scaphoid in mid-March and was given a three-month recovery period.

Last season, Tatis suffered a left shoulder subluxation earlier in the year but was able to play 150 games.

During that span of games in 2021, Tatis has cut .282/.364/.611 while posting a league-high 42 home runs, 97 RBI, 99 runs scored and 135 hitting. He was named to the NL All-Star Team and placed third in the NL MVP voting.

Sure, the Padres are stacked with the additions they made at the close of trade as they are, but getting Tatis back will be crucial as they look to make a push for a post-season berth for the second time in three years close.