Padres Slugger Tatis Suspended 80 Games for Doping

San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for the banned performance-enhancing steroid Clostebol, Major League Baseball said Friday.

In a statement from the office of commissioner Rob Manfred, MLB said the suspension without pay was effective immediately.

The 23-year-old, who said the steroid was in a medication he used to treat ringworm, is currently on the injured list after breaking his left wrist. He had recently started a rehabilitation stint that put him in line to return for the Padres later in August.

Now he won’t return to the major leagues this season.

Tatis, who finished in the top four in voting for the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2020 and 2021, is currently under contract through 2034.

The young star inked the fourth-longest extension in MLB history — a 14-year, $340 million deal, in February of 2021.

Tatis issued a statement saying that he was “devastated” by the suspension but would not appeal.

“It turns out that I inadvertently took a medication to treat ringworm that contained Clostebol,” Tatis said. “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 want to apologize to Peter, AJ, the entire Padres organization, my teammates, Major League Baseball, and fans everywhere for my mistake. I have no excuse for my error, and I would never do anything to cheat or disrespect this game I love.

“I have taken countless drug tests throughout my professional career, including on March 29, 2022, all of which have returned negative results until this test.

“I am completely devastated. There is nowhere else in the world I would rather be than on the field competing with my teammates. After initially appealing the suspension, I have realized that my mistake was the cause of this result, and for that reason I have decided to start serving my suspension immediately.

“I look forward to rejoining my teammates on the field in 2023.”

The Padres said they were “surprised and extremely disappointed” to learn of the violation.

“We fully support the (anti-doping) program and are hopeful that Fernando will learn from this experience,” the club said.