Padres Injury Report: Fernando Tatis Jr. Finally Given Timeline, Manny Machado Knocking On Door Of Return

After a “happy” doctor's appointment, the Padres have set a three-step timeline for the return of Fernando Tatis Jr. that could bring him back on the field in late July, according to San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Injury Update

The 23-year-old shortstop has been cleared to begin swinging off of a tee in two weeks, then progress to hitting pitches from a machine over a span of 10 days.

Tatis will then reportedly complete a rehab assignment, with his return to the majors depending on how the wrist holds up and quickly he can get up to speed at the plate.

The Pro Baseball Docs detailed in March that the delayed scaphoid fracture in his left wrist would require a much longer recovery than the Padres initially let on. 

Tatis Jr. returning in late-July and being available for the final two months of the season would still be great news for the Padres, given the type of injury Tatis is making it back from, according to the Docs.

Manny Machado Injury Update

Star third baseman Manny Machado, meanwhile, continues to increase the intensity of his rehab workouts and is expected to return to the lineup as a DH in the coming days.

He was spotted running the bases on Tuesday afternoon and manager Bob Melvin told reporters Tuesday that Machado running confidently would be the last and most crucial hurdle to leap before he is brought back.

The 29-year-old will initially be available as a pinch-hitter, then DH likely until after the All-Star break in mid-July.

He's still likely at least another three weeks away from returning to every day duties at third base, according to the Pro Baseball Docs.

Machado has paced the offense with Tatis out of the lineup, batting .328 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs in 66 games.