San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., who was originally feared to have a serious shoulder ailment, was back in action Friday after spending the minimum 10 days on the injured list.
He homered in the fifth inning against Los Angeles Dodgers starter Walker Buehler but ended the night 1-for-6. He struck out looking with the bases loaded in the 10th inning, and the visiting Dodgers went on to win 11-6 in 12 innings.
Before the game, Tatis was activated by the Padres and placed in the second spot in the batting order behind Trent Grisham for the opener of a three-game series. It was the first time the Padres had their preferred 1-2 combination together this season, as Grisham missed the opening week due to a hamstring injury.
Tatis, 22, sustained a dislocated left shoulder while swinging and missing a pitch on April 5 against the San Francisco Giants. He didn’t end up needing surgery, though.
His swift return is a big relief to the Padres, who gave Tatis a 14-year, $340 million contract extension this spring.
“He’s a game-changing player, as I’m sure you all know,” Grisham said. “We’re excited to have him back. He’s very dynamic, and he’s very excited to get back. We’re pumped to have him in the lineup.”
Including the Friday game, Tatis is hitting .167 (4-for-24) with two homers and two RBIs in six games this season. He has a .296/.369/.576 career batting line with 41 home runs and 100 RBIs through 149 games in parts of three major league seasons, all with San Diego.
Rookie infielder/outfielder Tucupita Marcano was optioned to the Padres’ alternate training site to open a roster spot for Tatis. Marcano hit .167 (2-for-12) with one RBI in 10 games for San Diego this season.
