Fernando Tatis Jr. stood before his teammates and the media in August.
Now he'll face the fans — directly.
The 24-year-old superstar is among the Padres who will appear at Petco Park on Feb. 4 for their annual FanFest, Tatis' first public appearance since he was suspended 80 games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
The suspension ended what was already a trying 2022 season as Tatis arrived at the Padres' complex last spring with a fractured wrist that has since required two procedures. Tatis also underwent shoulder surgery after beginning his suspension last summer, but he resumed baseball activities over the weekend at Petco Park as he eyed full participation in spring training.
Tatis cannot return to the active roster until April 20.
Newcomer Xander Bogaerts will also appear at FanFest, as will Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Jake Cronenworth, Josh Hader, Nick Martinez, Robert Suarez, Tim Hill and manager Bob Melvin.
Participating alumni include Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman and former Padres second baseman Mark Loretta.
There will be photo sessions at multiple locations and time slots, Q&A panels with players, broadcasters and front office executives, KidsFest activities and the Padres Foundation Garage Sale held at both the Park Blvd Plaza and the Bud Patio on the terrace level. Tours will stop by the visiting clubhouse, the grounds crew garage and the press box, while on-field activities in include running the bases, catch in right field and home-run-robbing photo op in left field.
Fans can claim up to four complimentary tickets at padres.com/FanFest.
Parking is also free and available on a first-come, first-serve basis in neighboring team-owned lots.
FanFest will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with season-ticket holders allowed to enter at 8:30 a.m.
