Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr Has Been Great in Right Field, He Shares Why That Is
Fernando Tatis Jr. has been one of the more electric players in baseball since he first made his debut years ago. His combination of speed and power makes him so much fun to watch, and it has helped him become one of the best young players in the game today.
He is part of the Padres talented core of All-Stars, but this season his defense has really set him apart. Tatis Jr. made the transition over to right field from his normal shortstop position, and the results have been amazing. It has been a seamless fit for him and it has allowed the Frirars much flexibility in how they build their lineups each game.
“I feel like my abilities can play out anywhere,” he said. “I’m just a baseball player. Simple as that. … When I was a kid, it was just like I would catch groundballs at shortstop, second base, third base, outfield. Even at first base, if they throw me out there, I would know what to do. I’m just a baseball player. My dad taught me since a young age how to play every position.”
Currently, he leads the National League with nine outfield assists and he has 16 defensive runs saved as well. San Diego has relied upon him in the outfield this season, and he hasn’t let them down. Tatis Jr. could very well be on his way to a Gold Glove award for the year, and he most definitely deserves it.
Even his manager is thankful for the transition, as it has allowed his life to be easier on a day-to-day basis.
“It’s probably come as quickly as anybody that has changed positions that I’ve ever seen before,” Padres manager Bob Melvin said. “… It’s been miraculous.”
Tatis Jr. seems like a natural outfielder, despite this being his first full season playing there. His athleticism has allowed for strong results, and he has gotten the basics down. It’s not always easy to make a transition like this, but Tatis Jr. isn’t just any player.
“I definitely have better results (in right field),” Tatis said. “I feel like at shortstop it was more (that) I was immature. I had so many tools, and I didn’t know how to control my tools.”
As he continues to get more experience in the field, it will only help him to grow as a defender. It’s going to be a key part of the Padres attempt to get themselves back into contention, as they know they can rely on him out there.
His bat already has yielded much success, but now he is maturing into a more well-rounded player and that is a great thing for all involved.
