Padres News: Bob Melvin Thrilled He Doesn't Have To Face NL Star Shortstop
The San Diego Padres are going into the 2023 season as one of the most stacked teams in the league. Their pitching rotation has the potential to be the best in the league, while their lineup is far from a walk in the park.
The Friars have plenty of guys who'll put fear in the eyes of the opposing pitcher, but none are quite as intimidating as Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tatis Jr is getting in some spring training action before serving the rest of his 80-game suspension, and he's already in mid-season form. He crushed a ball dead center for a solo home run in their win against the Anaheim Angels, 3-0 on Friday. Tatis' homer was the final run the Padres scored to pick up their 13th spring training win.
Padres skipper Bob Melvin spoke with 97.3 The Fan and said he's glad he doesn't have to face the righty slugger but rather coach him.
Tatis Jr exploded on the scene in 2019, and even though his time in the majors was limited, people knew he would be the real deal. Throughout his three seasons in the majors, the 24-year-old already have 81 home runs, 195 RBIs, 303 hits, 13.6 WAR, and a batting average of .292.
It's safe to say that the Padres outfielder is on a hall of fame trajectory, and he still has a lot of ways to go. Luckily for Melvin and Padre fans, other teams have to deal with him. Tatis will make his presence felt come late April for the 2023 season.
