Padres' Infielder Reflects on Massive Home Run Leading to Win Over Giants

Jurickson Profar reveals what led to his game changing home run against the San Francisco Giants.

Apr 6, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar (10) / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The Padres have started the 2024 season hovering around a .500 winning percentage. While the bats got off to a smoking hot start, they have since calmed down during the series against the San Francisco Giants.

On Saturday, April 6, Jurickson Profar supplied all the offense the Friars would need that day with a first-inning grand slam leading to a 4-0 victory. After the game, Profar spoke with the media, including Kevin Acee of the Union-Tribune, about his approach during that at-bat,

“I thought I hit it a little high,” he said. “I know I hit it good, but with the wind here you never know.”

This kind of approach sounds exactly like what team manager Mike Shildt described when he was hired. He wants batters to think of every at-bat as a situational at-bat and approach it accordingly.

For Profar, this meant watching what pitches his teammates were getting and capitalizing on that knowledge.

Profar spent the majority of last season with the Colorado Rockies. The Padres acquired him after the Rockies DFA'd him late in the season. He then re-signed with San Diego on a one-year deal this offseason.

So far, Profar has performed well at the plate. The switch-hitter is slashing .273/.400/.485 with the grand slam representing his only home run.

After finishing the series with the Giants, the Padres will take on the Chicago Cubs at home. They then head on the road, with the Los Angeles Dodgers being their first stop.