Fernando

Tatis

Tatis owners will want to be sure to have him active in the Expos’ remaining 12 games in Puerto Rico this season.

The Expos are waiting word from a doctor before determining how to proceed with Tatis. Bench him for now.

“We’re taking a look at him,” manager Lou Piniella said. “He’s been impressive here in camp early. You notice I moved him over to second to see what type of versatility he’s got. He’s got some pop in his bat.” Tatis is 3-for-9 with a homer and a double this spring. He could make the Rays as a reserve.

Tatis has played in just seven games this spring.

With only Geoff Blum in front of him, Tampa Bay looks like a good situation for Tatis. It didn’t appear that any team was willing to bring him in as a potential regular.

Tatis is on the DL with chest inflammation which he says was anxiety attacks. He said he was going to work hard to get back in playing condition, take it step by step, and try to come back this season.

Tatis also added an RBI single, meaning he’s 5-for-12 with three extra-base hits since joining the Orioles. Since he’s not a great bet to start often or play well even if he has a good week or two, there’s not yet much reason to claim him in AL-only formats.

Tatis has been out since June 16, and there is no timetable for his return. We’re not even certain manager Frank Robinson wants him.

The homer came off lefty specialist Mike Myers, a pitcher he never would have gotten a chance to face in a close game. Tatis is 6-for-16 with two homers and two doubles against left-handed pitchers since being called up last month. He’ll probably get most starts versus southpaws down the stretch.

Tatis made a few appearances at shortstop for the Cardinals in 1998, but he had never played second until today. He made his first career appearance in the outfield earlier this month.