Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. Talks Adjustment to The Outfield
The return of Fernando Tatis Jr. was much-needed and had everyone, including the players excited for their teammate. Tatis Jr. is an explosive bat and, already at the age of 24, is a two-time silver slugger winner. His bat makes him great, and his athleticism at the shortstop position was imposing.
However, that was back in 2021; we're in 2023 now, and he is currently playing the outfield, specifically, the right field. Padres signed shortstop Xander Bogaerts and last season, Ha-Seong Kim took over the six spot. Fernando is now in the outfield, which is something new for him, and is still getting acquainted out there, as he told Padres insider AJ Cassavell.
"It's just more: hit the cutoff man," Tatis said. "I feel like I'm in a really good spot right now. Just making sure I take control of the ball a little bit more. But then after that, no regrets."
Tatis Jr had a handful of miscues in his first series, and Padres skipper Bob Melvin believes he'll get it down.
“He can go get balls with anybody out there,” Melvin said. “It’s just about getting comfortable, reading the angles, and letting his feet take over and his instincts.”
It's all about repetition. Also, this is Fernando's first live big-league action in almost 600 days. It will take him some time to get used to it; however, he's too great and athletic to continue with these mishaps. Nonetheless, Tatis is confident in his abilities and is taking the challenge head-on.
"New challenge," Tatis said. "I totally, fully embrace it."
"I feel like we're just getting started," Tatis said. "I'm still learning the position. I feel like every single day I'm going to get better at it."
