Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr Refuses 'Dodger Killer' Nickname

He remained humble amidst a huge performance.

If there was anybody that could have been talking a lot following the Padres' 5-2 over the Dodgers on Friday night, it was Fernando Tatis Jr. Not only did he drive in two big home runs to suck the life out of LA early into the game, but he also became the first player in MLB history to homer against Clayton Kershaw in multiple games.

Everybody was talking about how Manny Machado had a history of success against the 35-year-old ace but it was El Nino who too advantage of this mistakes made by him. After going the past two games with no hits, Tatis came into this series opener ready to produce and went 2-5 in his at-bats.

FERNANDO TATIS JR. OFF THE GOAT pic.twitter.com/GPODay5NV3

— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) May 6, 2023

There also few players in the league who have had it worse from opposing fans and media these past two years. During his time away from the game, he consistently took slander to his name about bad choices in his personal life. Nando has taken it upon himself to grow from it all and not even let an entire crowd heckling him get the best of him.

And he has carried that same attitude onto the field, even against a division-rival like the Dodgers. Following his big Friday night performance, manny were coining him the 'Dodger Killer' due to continued success against the Boys in Blue especially in that game.

Tatis, however, was not willing to accept the nickname just yet as he knows he will face them plenty of times in his career.

Tatis has himself a night and sits down with @heyscan following the W against the Dodgers🔊@Padres | #PadresLive pic.twitter.com/VUt9xJLCcP

— Bally Sports San Diego (@BallySportsSD) May 6, 2023

"I got way more," said Tatis. I got 12 more years of this I'm just going to keep it going."

(Via Bally Sports San Diego)

Nonetheless, 15 home runs against a storied franchise like the Dodgers is no small feat. Considering that the two teams will not face each other as often moving forward due to schedule changes, these types of games will become even more special.

Don't let a rivalry nor any personal feelings get in the way folks... this is greatness we are witnessing.