Fernando steals the show while Ray settles in as Padres top Mets

NEW YORK -- Have a night, Fernando Tatis Jr.

In between his two home runs on Tuesday, Tatis turned in perhaps the signature home-run robbery of his career, taking a grand slam away from Francisco Lindor.

“It’s up there as one of the most impactful [games] he’s had as a Padre, for sure,” said San Diego manager Craig Stammen. “You look at how many runs he created and then how many runs he took away -- that’s a pretty big number.”

Ultimately, Tatis’ heroics proved decisive in the Padres’ 5-2 victory over the Mets. Here’s some instant reaction from Citi Field:

Tatis back at his very best
This was a nice reminder of everything Tatis can do. At his best, he might be the game’s premier five-tool player.

And, sure, he spent the first two months of the season with one of those tools (his power) completely missing. But that power is back now. And his glove? It’s been there from the start.

“He feels like he has so many tools in his tool bag that he can find a way to create some havoc or take away runs -- or do something good for the Padres in any aspect of the game,” Stammen said. “He can do that with his speed. He can do that with his defense. He can certainly do it with his bat.”

A two-time Platinum Glove Award winning right fielder, Tatis has pulled off some spectacular home run robberies in his career. He robbed four in a span of 27 home games last summer at Petco Park. Earlier this season, he robbed Rafael Devers for the second year in a row. (Same inning, same pitcher, too.)

But this one was different. Not only was this play utterly spectacular and aesthetically brilliant. This was Tatis robbing Lindor of a grand slam in the midst of a tight playoff race. Not to mention the two home runs -- the first of which traveled 452 feet to the second deck in left field. It marked the 18th leadoff home run of his career.

Tatis has been capable of taking over games like this one dating back to his rookie season. (Coincidentally, under manager Andy Green, who is currently serving as interim manager of the Mets.)

“It was impressive,” Green said Tuesday. “And annoying. The guy is really good.”

Ray, like Mize, starting to settle in
In his final start before the Trade Deadline, Robbie Ray pitched six innings of one-run ball for the Giants against San Diego.

The Padres prefer it this way.

Ray worked six innings of one-run ball this time for the Padres, picking up his first win with his new club. This still wasn’t quite the best version of Ray. He walked three during that fateful second inning, and could’ve allowed four runs in the frame, if not for Tatis.

Still, for most of the rest of the night, Ray was excellent. The only run he allowed came on Luis Torrens’ solo homer in the fifth. Ray allowed three hits and struck out four.

“I feel like my delivery, right now, is in a better place than it was,” Ray said. “Things were getting a little quick for me. I’ve felt like I’ve been able to nail some things down working with [pitching coach] Ruben [Niebla] and all the guys here. I’m definitely feeling more comfortable.”

Ray's outing San Diego’s third straight quality start -- including one from Casey Mize, another Trade Deadline acquisition, on Sunday. Considering how few quality starts the Padres were getting from their rotation before the Deadline, it’s safe to say those moves are already paying major dividends.

Separation in the Wild Card race
The Diamondbacks have dropped three straight and are without Ketel Marte at least temporarily. The Padres are keen to take full advantage.

The importance of these games is crystal clear in San Diego’s bullpen maneuvering. Stammen went to Adrian Morejon for five outs and 38 pitches (almost certainly ruling him out for the series finale on Wednesday).

“To me, it was one of his best outings that he’s had all year,” Stammen said. “Because he had to dig a little deeper, throw a ton of pitches and fight through.”

After Manny Machado tacked on an insurance run with a solo homer in the eighth, Mason Miller nailed down the save.

With the win on Tuesday night, San Diego moved two games ahead of Arizona in the race for the final National League Wild Card spot. The Padres trail the Phillies by a game for the second Wild Card spot (and the No. 5 seed).