The Padres have had just about enough of everyone throwing so close to the head of Fernando Tatis Jr.
While Tatis is batting .245 and has an OPS of .775, Padres manager Mike Shildt has taken notice of what he has said are “too many pitches up and in” on Tatis.
“It’s enough. It really is enough,” Shildt said on Friday, according to USA Today. “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.’’
Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres dodges a pitch during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on May 03, 2024. Getty Images Explore More
Late in Friday’s win over the Diamondbacks, Tatis had to duck for the dirt when reliever Scott McGough’s pitch in the ninth came too close for comfort.
Tatis’ displeasure was evident, but things halted there.
“I mean, listen, if you want to throw up and in on the guy, fine,” Shildt said. “But get away from the top of his body, and definitely stay away from his head. That’s just not appropriate. And no hitter, no pitcher, nobody could defend it.
“I don’t get it. It’s not necessary. It’s not the way it needs to be played.”
Padres manager Mike Shildt (8) yells at crew chief Adrian Johnson (right) after being ejected during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in April. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con Tatis told reporters that he didn’t think that the liberties pitches were seemingly taking had anything to do with him testing positive for steroids in 2022 – he was given an 80-game suspension by Major League Baseball – but speculated that opposing teams may be trying to take advantage of a weakness.
“Pitchers feel like that’s the only way to get me out,’’ Tatis said, “but at the same time, you’re throwing at my head. So, if you can’t go inside, just figure it out, and clean it up.’’
