Padres' Tatis doesn't want to play OF: They signed a shortstop

San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. is hoping his time in the outfield is just a 2021 anomaly.

"(General manager A.J. Preller) signed a shortstop, and he's gonna have a shortstop," Tatis said about his prospects of playing the outfield next season, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic. "That's the plan so far, and I'm not planning on moving for a very long time from there."

Following a midseason shoulder ailment, the Padres shifted Tatis to the outfield in an effort to keep the slugger healthy and in the lineup. After returning from the injured list in mid-August, Tatis made 21 consecutive outfield appearances before going back to shortstop. Since then, he's played 15 games at short and three in the outfield, including a start in center against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.

With the team eliminated from postseason contention, Tatis has been getting regular nights off to rest his shoulder. While the injury is still nagging, Tatis indicated his preference is to avoid surgery.

"We'll see," Tatis added to Lin. "I feel like I'm in a great spot, my shoulder's in a great spot, and I'm very secure in where I'm at right now."

Tatis has appeared in 127 total games this season, hitting .281/.365/.614 with 42 homers and 25 stolen bases. The 22-year-old will likely receive strong MVP consideration, but he's played substantially fewer games than front-runners Bryce Harper and Juan Soto.