Tatis buoyant in camp: 'Going to be a great year'

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Maybe it is the mended shoulder. Maybe it is simply being back in spikes again.

Padres camp in 2023 features a free and frisky Fernando Tatis Jr., a familiar Fernando Tatis Jr.

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Tatis held his first impromptu media session at Spring Training on Thursday. Casually leaning against his locker stall, Tatis spoke about his health, his embrace of the outfield and his passion for being back with his teammates. Most of his answers were accompanied by a laugh and a smile.

Friendly, free-spirited Fernando.

“It feels great being back with the boys, back with the crew, healthy, finally healthy,” Tatis said. “Looking forward to being back on the field, being back in the jungle with my boys. I feel the rest is going to take care of itself.”

The Padres’ first full-squad workout isn’t until Tuesday, but Tatis arrived early. He has worked in the outfield and connected with teammates on a club many believe has a chance to make a lot of noise this season.

Tatis, of course, is among the believers: “2023 is going to be a great year,” said the man who wears No. 23. “They are going to remember 2023 for a long time.”

As far as health, Tatis said his surgically repaired left shoulder is “100 percent.” He had two subluxations in 2021 before surgery was deemed a good option last year, when he missed the season because of a broken left wrist and then because of a PED suspension.

“It’s just locked in,” Tatis said of the shoulder. “I feel like it is not going to come out any more. It feels really secure. It just feels right.”

The twice-repaired wrist remains a work in progress.

“I don’t want to put a number out there, but it is really close,” Tatis said. “I’m putting my best swings out there, and I feel that is the most important thing so far.”

Years ago, Tatis told a reporter that his favorite position was center field. Is it still?

“Probably,” he said with a laugh. “I just love this game. We’ll see what the team needs, and I’ll be ready for anything.

The Padres and Tatis have been noncommittal on where, exactly, Tatis will line up when he returns from serving the remainder of his 80-game PED suspension on April 20. Center field appears to belong to Trent Grisham, so it seems Tatis will spend a lot of time in right field.

“I’m loving it,” Tatis said of the outfield. “It’s freedom to be the type of athlete I am. Run as far as I can. I feel it is going to be a good part of my game this year. Whatever needs to be taken care of, I will do it.”

Padres manager Bob Melvin has said Juan Soto is the likely left fielder.

“We’ll see,” Melvin said. “Guys are not going to play 162 games, so there is a chance [Tatis] moves around. There is a chance you will see him in the infield some. We are not really settled on anything yet.

“I think he’s just excited to play baseball again. He can play anywhere. He has a smile on his face. He is very energetic when he hits the field. He feels great about where he is, as far as some of the injuries and surgeries, being in a good place for him.”