Padres: Manny Machado is Ready to Welcome Back Fernando Tatis Jr
Padres fans head into this year with a lot to look forward to after making it to the National League Championship Series last season for the first time since 1998. About 140,000 people made their way to Petco Park on Sunday for FanFest and third baseman Manny Machado made sure to highlight the upcoming return of Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tatis Jr. last suited up for San Diego on October 3, 2021. He missed the entire 2022 season due to a wrist injury and suspension, and few are more excited to see him back on the field than Machado, who carried a heavy load without him.
"He’s a big part of this team, a big part of this organization, and we’re going to be with him the whole way," said Machado. "To have him back healthy, to have him back in that lineup and have him do the things that he’s capable of doing, is huge."
Machado finished second in NL MVP voting last year for the first time in his career and lost the award to Paul Goldschmidt of the St. Louis Cardinals. The 30-year-old star especially showed his importance to the team by posting a 7.4 fWAR, good for best in the NL.
Despite missing 32 games in 2021, Tatis Jr. still solidified himself as one of the best young players in baseball. He put together a .975 OPS over 130 games and also led the NL in home runs with 42. Rejoining a squad that now consists of Machado and Juan Soto will be something special.
"He was a big, big part of our lineup in the past and he’s going to be a big part of the lineup this year for us," said Machado. "I know he’s going to have a monster year and he’s going to take us to the promised land."
Machado has grown into quite the leader during his time with San Diego. He is hyped for Tatis Jr. to play again, but also hasn’t been shy in holding the young star accountable during past struggles.
Tatie Jr. could return to the team as early as April 27 against the Chicago Cubs.
