Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. makes first career outfield start, homers in return from shoulder injury

The struggling San Diego Padres welcomed again celebrity Fernando Tatis Jr. to the roster and lineup on Sunday in opposition to the Diamondbacks (SD-ARI GameTracker). He did not take lengthy to make an impression. 

Tatis doubled his first time up, and his second time up he did this: 

The 22-year-old Tatis is now batting .295/.376/.661 with 32 homers, 21 doubles, and 23 stolen bases in 88 video games this season. 

Additionally of notice is that Tatis, who had been sidelined since July 30 with ongoing left shoulder points, is taking part in the outfield for the primary time in his MLB profession. Tatis had spent his whole MLB profession up to now at shortstop, however he manned proper discipline in Jayce Tingler’s lineup in opposition to the Diamondbacks. 

The transfer is no surprise, as Tatis throughout his restoration course of had commonly been shagging flies within the outfield, and though it is Tatis’ non-throwing shoulder that is of concern, there’s some organizational hope {that a} transfer to the outfield will assist him keep wholesome. Already, Tatis has been on the IL 5 instances throughout elements of three big-league seasons. 

As a main shortstop, Tatis clearly has the arm power for proper, and his dash velocity, athleticism, instincts, and baseball smarts all imply he ought to have the ability to adapt easily to outfield element. Given the talents in place, it could hardly be stunning if Tatis ultimately settled in as a plus-fielding middle fielder for San Diego. Proper now, although, it seems that Tatis’ transfer to the outfield could also be characterised as short-term: 

If, nonetheless, you consider all of the indicators pointing to a long-term future within the outfield for the All-Star, then perhaps name it “quickly short-term.” What’s sure is that the Padres have heavy incentives to do no matter they’ll to maintain Tatis wholesome, as he is signed by means of the 2034 season for $340 million.

No matter his future afield, the Padres have eagerly welcomed again his highly effective bat after being no-hit by Tyler Gilbert on Saturday night. As seen above ,Tatis has already delivered in a giant manner. His presence will likely be big transferring award, because the Padres try to take care of their grip on the second and closing NL wild card spot whereas additionally remaining inside vary of the NL West lead.