Padres News: Bob Melvin Not Worried About Fernando Tatis Jr's Hitless Start

Melvin knows his franchise star is taking this comeback one day at a time.

Your San Diego Padres have been a cornerstone for media coverage these past few weeks. With a stacked roster and headlines slating this year's Friars as the modern day Murderers' Row, all eyes are on the team to perform from the jump. This includes Spring Training as it provides a first look at what to expect from the stars of the squad and more specifically, a returning Fernando Tatis Jr.

It's been a while since Tatis was dominating both the shortstop position and crushing pitches every time he stepped up to the plate in 2020 and 2021. Fans that were expecting him to return to superstar form right away have realized it's going to be a process. He is adjusting to playing an entire new outfield position and is getting comfortable with the pitch clock like everybody else.

Team manager Bob Melvin joined media to discuss Tatis' acclimation back into the lineup and specifically addressed if he had any concerns regarding the 24-year-old's 0-13 (now 0-16) start, as provided by '97.3 The Fan.'

Fernando Tatis Jr. is 0-for-13 with two walks to begin the Cactus League season. Today marks the first time he'll play in back-to-back days.

Padres manager Bob Melvin: "He's going to hit...the last thing I'm worried about is Fernando Tatis hitting or not." pic.twitter.com/hwsYWGlRnM

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) March 9, 2023

"That's what happens, you go in with a mindset you haven't played in quite some time," said Melvin. "I was really impressed by the fact he was taking a lot of pitches. He's going to hit, he's doing a lot of work right now. The last thing I'm worried about is Fernando Tatis hitting or not."

Tatis himself has echoed similar thoughts about his own play and says he will continue to trust in the route he is taking right now to return to top form. Support is the most important thing he needs right now and Melvin is certainly providing it, just like he has these past two years.