Tatis Jr. shines for Padres
A hit is a hit, even if it’s only spring training. For Fernando Tatis Jr., it’s been a long time coming. The San Diego Padres star had been 0for-16 this spring before hitting a smash off the glove of Chicago White Sox shortstop Erik Gonzalez for a single in the first inning Saturday at Peoria, Ariz. The hit came against former teammate Mike Clevinger. Tatis later added a two-run double.
They were the first hits in 526 days for Tatis, who missed all of last season. He was on the cusp of returning from surgery on his left wrist when he was suspended for 80 games by major league baseball after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
“He hasn’t played in a while. He’s going to hit,” manager Bob Melvin said earlier in the week when asked about Tatis’ slump. “I’m sure he’s a little frustrated right now, and he’s doing a lot of work, too. The last thing I’m worried about is Fernando Tatis hitting or not.”
Tatis isn’t eligible to return to the active roster until April 20. When he comes back, he’ll be in right field. The Padres signed shortstop Xander Bogaerts to a $280 million, 11-year contract in December.
Cardinals: St. Louis rookie outfielder Jordan Walker, one of the sensations of spring training, left the game against the Houston Astros with a strained right shoulder suffered on a slide at second base in the first inning. But manager Oliver Marmol said he was not “overly concerned. Day to day.”
Phillies: Philadelphia is shutting down 25-year-old righthander Noah Song for a few days because of back tightness. He had an MRI on Friday. The Phillies selected song in the Rule 5 Draft and he must spend at least 90 days on the active roster to stay with the organization beyond this season. Song appears headed to the injured list because the Phillies said he won’t be ready to pitch by opening day.
Nationals: Catcher Keibert Ruiz agreed to an eight-year contract with Washington, reportedly for $50 million.
Diamondbacks: Outfielder Corbin Carroll and Arizona agreed to an $111 million, eightyear contract that also has a club option for the 2031 season, according to a person familiar with the deal.