The Padres remain optimistic that their shortstop star Fernando Tatis Jr. is back in the lineup for Friday night’s game against the Dodgers at Petco Park.
Tatis is still recovering from the partial left shoulder dislocation he sustained when he hurled against the Giants on April 5. He has done batting drills and participated in baseball activities without any restrictions.
Manager Jayce Tingler said last week that Tatis has dealt with shoulder problems in the past and general manager AJ Preller said he was confident that if the shoulder was healed, Tatis would not risk his long-term health by returning to the field. Action, beyond perhaps suffering a new disruption.
But if Tatis returns to the field, will he have to change the way he plays so that he doesn’t get injured again? Tingler has said in recent days that he and the Padres’ medical staff have spoken with Tatis about some of the plays that pose a greater risk to the shoulder. They try to make sure that you complete your swing with both hands, unlike what you do now, when you complete the swing with your left arm stretched back. They also want you to choose better when it pays to slide the head into the base first.
But where is the line between being careful and fundamentally changing an exciting playing style?
“It’s definitely a very fine line,” said Tingler. “There are things that are going to happen because it is the speed of the game and for him doing a lot is a natural thing. So I think the most important thing is, can we focus on the work of the practices and try to minimize that? There is one thing I believe: the more you practice something, being someone who is super smart and learns very quickly, the faster you can make the transition.
San Diego also hopes Tatis’s bat returns to its level once he returns to the lineup. In five games this season, he is 18-3 with a homerun.