Fernando Tatis Jr.: Padres Manager Demands End to Pitchers Targeting His Star Outfielder
Los Angeles, Calif.– San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt is raising the alarm over a concerning trend: the alarming number of high and tight pitches directed at his star outfielder, Fernando Tatis Jr.
“Enough is enough,” Shildt declared following the Padres’ 7-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. “It’s just not right.”
A Pattern of Pitching Near the Danger Zone
The incident that prompted Shildt’s outburst occurred during the ninth inning, when Tatis dodged a pitch perilously close to his head. This wasn’t the first time Tatis had been the target of such pitches this season, prompting Shildt to speak out.
“I’ve noticed more than a few pitches that are…let’s say, dangerously placed,” Shildt noted. “It’s like some pitchers think they can intimidate Tati by throwing up and in. They’re not only disrespecting the game but also putting our players at risk.”
Padres Manager: ‘It’s Not the Way It Should Be Played’
Shildt emphasized that while throwing inside is an accepted part of baseball, there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed.
“We all know that,” Shildt said. “But there are certain zones that should be untouchable. The head, the neck, those are areas where you just don’t go. It’s not appropriate, and it’s not necessary.”
Tatis: ‘It’s a Strategy for Pitchers to Get Me Out’
Tatis himself believes that the high and inside pitches are a deliberate strategy by pitchers to disorient him.
“They feel like that’s the only way to beat me,” Tatis said. “But if you can’t control your pitches enough to hit the strike zone, that’s your problem, not mine.”
Padres Manager: ‘We’re Not Going to Tolerate It’
Shildt made it clear that the Padres organization will no longer tolerate such dangerous tactics.
“We’re not going to be silent about this,” Shildt said. “We’ll stand up for our players and protect them from this kind of unsportsmanlike conduct. It has to stop.”
Tatis’s Past Controversies and Maturity Issues
While Tatis is undoubtedly one of baseball’s most exciting young stars, he has also been known for stirring up controversy both on and off the field. In 2022, he was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a banned substance. Some within the Padres organization have also questioned his maturity and commitment.
Extension and Performance Struggles
Despite his off-field issues, Tatis remains one of the highest-paid players in the league, having signed a massive 14-year, 0 million extension before the 2021 season. However, his on-field performance this year has been uncharacteristically lackluster, as he currently boasts a mediocre .246/.333/.455 batting line.
Conclusion
Mike Shildt’s passionate defense of Fernando Tatis Jr. sends a clear message that the Padres organization stands behind its young star and will not allow him to be targeted with dangerous pitches. While Tatis himself has not been immune to controversy, his manager’s unwavering support reflects the belief that the Padres can overcome challenges together and continue to be a competitive force in the National League.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
