UPDATE: In a thrilling comeback, Fernando Tatis Jr. blasted a grand slam in the fourth inning as the San Diego Padres defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-4 on Friday night, keeping their playoff hopes alive. This marks Tatis’ return after a bout with COVID-19 that sidelined him for three games earlier this week.
Tatis made an explosive statement, connecting for his 24th home run of the season, erasing a 2-1 deficit and electrifying the crowd at Petco Park with a stunning 409-foot shot. “I feel way better today, and I’m looking forward to feeling even better in the next couple of days,” Tatis said post-game, showcasing his readiness for October baseball.
Earlier this week, Tatis watched from home as his teammates celebrated clinching a playoff spot, a moment he described as “definitely hard.” The Padres secured their second consecutive playoff berth in franchise history, a significant achievement after defeating the major league-leading Milwaukee Brewers in an 11-inning thriller on Monday.
Despite his illness, Tatis has had a standout season, racking up 70 RBIs and achieving career highs with 157 hits and 109 runs in 153 games. His return to the lineup is crucial as the Padres (88-72) now aim to host the Chicago Cubs (90-70) in their upcoming wild card series. Their playoff fate hinges on winning both weekend games against Arizona while hoping the Cubs lose twice to St. Louis.
“It’s definitely hard watching from home,” Tatis reflected, expressing his eagerness to celebrate victories with his team. His grand slam not only contributed to the win but also reinforced his position as a significant player for the Padres. Manager Mike Shildt commended Tatis, stating, “He’s always had power… we feel good about him being a dangerous guy.”
Looking ahead, Tatis is set on making an impact in the postseason. His previous playoff performance is impressive, with six home runs and 12 RBIs in just 13 playoff games, boasting a remarkable OPS of 1.328.
“I feel like I’m in a great place. Playoff baseball is definitely different, and I’m looking forward to that adrenaline,” Tatis concluded, igniting excitement among fans and teammates alike.
Stay tuned as the Padres continue their playoff push, with Tatis leading the charge back to postseason glory.