Padres star Tatis hit with an 80-game suspension

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr., one of the brighest, freshest stars in all of Major League Baseball, was suspended 80 games on Friday after testing positive for a performanceenhancing substance.

The penalty imposed by MLB was effective immediately, meaning the dynamic shortstop cannot play in the majors this year. He will miss the remaining 48 regular-season games this season and the first 32 next year.

Flashy at the plate and in the field, the 23-year-old Tatis was an All-star last season when he led the National League with 42 home runs. He had not played this season after breaking his wrist in spring training.

MLB said Tatis tested positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance.

“It turns out that I inadvertently took a medication to treat ringworm that contained Clostebol,” Tatis said in a statement released by the players’ union. “I should have used the resources available to me in order to ensure that no banned substances were in what I took. I failed to do so.”

“I have no excuse for my error, and I would never do anything to cheat or disrespect this game I love,” he said, adding, “I am completely devastated.”

Tatis had been on the injured list this season after breaking his left wrist in mid-march. He recently had begun a rehabilitation assignment in Double-a and the playoff-contending Padres hoped he could return and boost their chances down the stretch.

The penalty will cost Tatis about $2.9 million.

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