The Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. is a jolt of electricity in human form
The Padres boast a number of blue-chip prospects on their roster, and a few days ago they welcomed a big one back from the injured list when
The 20-year-old is hitting .315/.379/.577 in his first year of service with the club, but his mere presence alone is turning heads ... and in Tuesday's game with the Giants at Oracle Park, he demonstrated why.
First, he smashed a first-pitch leadoff homer in the first inning:
So, uh... PLAY BALL!#FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/qfJoroDYIl
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) June 12, 2019
His offensive exploits extend beyond the batter's box, though, as in the fifth inning he put on the afterburners to plate another run for the Padres.
Exhibiting a poise and confidence well beyond his 20 years, Tatis scored from second base on a ball that didn't even leave the infield:
...just watch.#FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/2M2DxJdB4D
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) June 12, 2019
That's the kind of no-time-to-think-just-act-on-instinct thing that separates elite baseball players from the rest of the pack. Let's remember that he was on the injured list with a hamstring strain. Some players might take things a bit gingerly upon returning from an injury like that, but not him. No way. Just 100 percent, all the time.
He also had to maneuver a bit of a swipe-slide at home plate to avoid the tag ... which was also no problem whatsoever:
If you were wondering about his sprint speed around the bases, the answer is yes, he was efficient.
So. much. fun.
— Andrew Simon (@AndrewSimonMLB) June 12, 2019
Tatis' sprint speed scoring on this play: 29.1 ft/sec (MLB avg: 27 ft/sc).
He went 2nd-to-home in 7.06 seconds despite slowing down when he got to 3B. https://t.co/MSOeK0tJ4u
If he's not already on your radar of Can't-Miss Guys this season and beyond, I'm sure he will be soon.
Adrian Garro joined MLB.com in 2016. Throughout his travels, both Bartolo Colon and Vin Scully have placed their hands on his shoulders. Not at the same time, though. That'd be amazing.
