San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt has had enough of opposing teams going up and in on Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tatis Jr. was knocked down by Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Scott McGough during Friday’s game, the latest example of what Shildt sees as a pattern. That prompted the manager to issue a firm warning to teams after the game that his team will not tolerate continued brushback pitches against his star outfielder.
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt is incensed at the frequency of pitches thrown towards the head of Fernando Tatis Jr.:
"We're seeing way too many pitches up and in on Tati. It's enough. It really is enough. If you want to throw in, that's fine. But I don't know what people…— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 4, 2024
“We’re seeing way too many pitches up and in on Tati,” Shildt said. “It’s enough. It really is enough. If you want to throw in, that’s fine. But I don’t know what people are trying to accomplish by throwing up and in. All you’re doing is pissing the guy off, and it’s uncalled for. … It’s happening way too frequently, and it’s not something that we’re going to tolerate much longer.”
Tatis Jr. does not have a reputation for getting hit a lot, but he has been hit by pitches twice this season after enduring only three of them in 2023. It may simply be coincidence, but it is understandable why pitches like this would leave the Padres unhappy.
An example of one of the pitches Shildt is referring to pic.twitter.com/2S4tgeJIHZ
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 4, 2024
Tatis may not be the most popular player in the game among opponents, which the Padres are likely aware of. It certainly sounds like they might feel the need to take aim at some other teams’ stars if Tatis keeps getting brushed back.
