Dominican Fernando Tatis Jr. hit his first home run for the El Paso Chihuahuas on Wednesday night, and first in Triple-A baseball, and immediately drew criticism from Kade McClure, the pitcher who allowed the stick. full return in the fifth inning in the victory of El Paso 8-5 over the Sacramento River Cats.
Tatis, first in the batting order, opened the top of that fifth roll with the lone drive to center field, which he connected on a 2-2 count. It was the second run of the night for the Chihuahuas, who trailed 5-0 from the second inning.
The 24-year-old himself had said he expected to face criticism from opposing players and fans this year over the 80-game suspension he received last August for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
Despite the suspension, the Major Leagues allow a player in Tatis’ situation to have activity in the minors to stay active and get ready for his return to the big tent, which can take place from April 20. And just in his second rehab game with the Chihuahuas, Tatis Jr. showed his power with the bat.
After the game, McClure called the Dominican a “cheater” when commenting on a video that highlighted the home run by the San Diego Padres player.
“Cheater homers in rehab game during suspension for steroid use,” McClure posted on his Twitter account.
The 27-year-old McClure is in his first year with Sacramento, an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The right-hander made 44 appearances for Charlotte last season, his fifth with the Chicago White Sox organization.
Yesterday, Tatis was defended by his mother, Martía Tatis, who decided to respond to McClure by reminding him of the long time he has been in the minor leagues.
“A player with seven years in the minor leagues who just wants a minute of fame. That’s why he uses a superstar name to get attention,” Ms. Tatis posted.
