Fernando Tatis Jr. is going through one of the most discreet streaks of his career in terms of power, the Padres right fielder has not hit a home run since July 24 against the St. Louis Cardinals, accumulating 109 plate appearances without hitting a home run, the longest drought of his career. Before this, his worst mark had been 98 appearances without a home run, also in the current season.
Despite the drop in his power production, Tatis has remained competitive. So far in August, he has eight RBIs in 17 games, with a .267 batting average and a 133 wRC+, which puts him above the league average. However, he is not satisfied:
I need to improve … I’m happy as long as the team wins. But obviously I want to contribute more. I know I can do more and I want to do more
Padres vs Dodgers: Tatis Jr.’s weight in a key NL West series
With the Los Angeles Dodgers just one game away in the National League West, the Padres know that this upcoming series at Petco Park could change the landscape completely. The last time they met, at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles swept them, stripping them of the divisional lead.
Tatis has historically responded against the Dodgers and San Diego needs him to be decisive again: “I know what I can do and I want to do it more,” the Dominican insisted. His impact goes beyond the bat, as he contributed to Wednesday’s win over the Giants with a spectacular leaping catch that robbed Rafael Devers of a home run, as well as going 4-2 with a double and an RBI.
San Diego Padres trusts its star Fernando Tatis Jr.
Manager Mike Shildt has been clear that the team needs to improve in key areas if it is to remain a contender. In that sense, Tatis’ offensive awakening could be the ultimate boost. Despite his home run drought, his defensive contribution and consistency at the plate are encouraging signs.
With only weeks remaining in the regular season, each series takes on greater importance, a Padres victory combined with a Dodgers loss to the Rockies could move San Diego into first place and with a series between the two at Petco Park could be what San Diego needs to take hold of the West lead.
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