Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. Not Worried After Slow Performance Against Dodgers
The San Diego Padres have emphasized one thing above all else when it comes to re-integrating Fernando Tatis Jr. back into their lineup: They will be taking it slow. There is really no better way to do so than in Spring Training, especially considering that Tatis hasn't suited up in about two years.
El Niño will also be in new territory this season due to the acquisition of Xander Bogaerts. He has already gotten some run in the outfield in his first few games at Peoria and it is clear that while he shows promise, it will take time for Tatis to grow comfortable in that spot like he was at shortstop.
Tatis was among the best hitters in baseball when healthy, even taking home the Silver Slugger award in 2020. The Friars faced off against a familiar rival on Monday in the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tatis went 0-3 at the plate.
Despite this hitting performance mirroring others over the past week, the franchise star spoke to '97.3 The Fan' following the match and made it clear he is not worried at all and is still learning his flow again.
"Game by game, I see more balls off the bat, I see more different types of spin, I see different adjustments and I feel like every game I'm out there, I feel better every time,' said Tatis. "I've got nothing to worry about... I feel like I'm swinging at the right pitches, and that's what I'm focusing on right now."
Padres fans should be happy to see this type of reassurance from their young star. Despite Bogaerts, Manny Machado, and Juan Soto all heading their roster as well, Tatis has been their golden child. He's gone through quite the adversity and drama these past few seasons but his play will be a key factor in determining whether San Diego brings home the bacon this postseason.
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