As Spring Training games began on Friday, San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt was without his star player, Fernando Tatis Jr. It seemed unusual because he had been engaged in practice until Spring Training. While the possibility of the Padres dealing Tatis was quickly dismissed, it left many people thinking.
Fortunately, they had the answer. According to Sammy Levitt of Padres radio, he wrote on X (previously Twitter) that the slugger had been sick. Although no specifics were provided, it sounded like a regular cold or flu ailment. Regardless, the Padres do not want to take any chances with their franchise player.
After all, there will be many Spring Training games over the next five weeks. Tatis will have plenty of time to prepare and refine his skills once more. Furthermore, he has the potential to win the Silver Slugger Award and be in contention for MVP. He has Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado in his lineup.
However, the Padres lost Jurickson Profar to free agency. That contributed significantly to San Diego’s success. Nonetheless, Tatis’ dynamic game is too good to overlook.
Padres manager Mike Shildt is not concerned about Fernando Tatis Jr.
Shildt’s statements did not appear to indicate any alarm. Spring Training has only just begun, and there are still many games to play. After a difficult 2023 season, he rebounded and made the 2024 All-Star Game. Furthermore, the Padres advanced beyond the Wild Card and faced the eventual champion, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the divisional round.
Tatis has plenty of opportunity to see the diamond this spring. He could gain some experience at DH. If he does not move there, he will continue to play right field and shortstop for the team.
The potential and talent are undeniable. For example, Tatis’ heroics during the divisional round were likened to David Ortiz’s in the postseason. Also, he is only 27 years old. There is still plenty of time for the rising star to demonstrate his true potential.
In either case, he’ll have the spring to regain his elite form. Not to add, Shildt appeared unconcerned about his best player. When he suits up for the first time this spring, it will be as if nothing happened.
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