Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr Addresses Wild Joe Kelly Incident

The NL West's hottest rivalry adds another chapter.

Padre superstar right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. had some remarks on a rather scary situation in a recent game vs. the Dodgers. 

After catching two inside pitches in an at-bat against Dodger reliever Joe Kelly, Tatis Jr. was visibly upset at nearly catching a baseball to the temple during the game. 

Despite the high emotions in the moment, cooler heads prevailed and Tatis Jr. took the high road when commenting on the situation. 

“Kelly is a baller. He’s one of the best relievers out there. He struck me out. So he got me. Everyone in baseball knows Joe Kelly. That’s the way he pitches. That’s part of the game. That guy is giving 100 percent.”

via Kevin Acee, San Diego Tribune

Even if some Padres' fans were concerned over the incident, the recent All-Star is seemingly taking the situation in stride as some fiery competition from a rivalry that is only getting hotter with the postseason push. 

While the Dodgers took game 1 of the most recent series in comeback fashion by a score of 10-5, the Padres came back in game 2 with a magical seventh inning rally after they scored seven runs in the frame. 

Tatis Jr. while having his troubles at the plate, still manages to amaze with his glove and defensive efforts as evidenced by robbing Mookie Betts of extra bases on a stellar catch in right earlier in the weekend. 

It's just another chapter in a book that's pages full of heated moments and intensity among two of baseball's hottest rivals. 

With both teams meeting in the playoffs two of the last three seasons, each team has one series win over the other. 

San Diego will hope to settle the score this year and firmly take the NL West crown from the Dodgers once and for all.