Preller criticizes Tatis' maturity amid PED suspension

San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller was left disappointed by the news of star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.'s 80-game suspension for violating MLB's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

"I think we're hoping that from the offseason to now, that there would be some maturity," Preller said Friday, according to The Athletic's Dennis Lin. "And obviously with the news today, it's more of a pattern and something we've got to dig a little bit more into."

Tatis has been sidelined for the entirety of the 2022 campaign after he injured his wrist in a motorcycle accident in the offseason.

Preller added that he understands Tatis' remorse for the suspension, but he believes the 23-year-old needs to do more than just apologize.

"I'm sure he's very disappointed, but at the end of the day, it's one thing to say it," Preller said. "You have to start by showing it with your actions."

Right-handed starter Mike Clevinger echoed the same sentiments.

"This is the second time we've been disappointed with him," Clevinger added, according to MLB.com's Joe Trezza. "You hope he grows up and learns from this and learns that it's about more than just him right now."

Preller and the Padres signed Tatis to a massive 14-year, $340-million extension before the 2021 season. However, the executive now believes there's a lack of trust between the two sides.

"I think what we need to get to is a point in time where we trust," Preller said, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee.

"Over the course of the last six or seven months, I think that's been something that we haven't really been able to have."