San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a grand slam in Monday night’s win over the Texas Rangers (goal scoring). The grand slam was his second home game of the game and the 21-year-old phenomenon now stands atop the star-studded Leaderboard of Major League Baseball.
The homer, who came on a 3-0 field goal from Juan Nicasio, angered the Rangers and led to a sequence of events, including Texas manager Chris Woodward citing the “unwritten rules” of baseball in disapproval. “There are a lot of unwritten rules that are constantly being challenged in today’s game,” Woodward said told reporters after the match.
“I personally did not like it. You’re with seven in the eighth inning; it’s typically not a good time to swing 3-0. It’s kind of the way we were all brought up in the game. But, “Like I said, the standards are challenged on a daily basis. So just because I don’t like it does not mean it’s not good. I do not think we like it as a group.”
Tatis’ eighth final homer came up with the Padres 10-3 up with the bases loaded, and of course counting on a 3-0. Before entering the grand slam, Nicasio had run two fighters and went on to score 3-0 on three straight fighters. Tatis was the fourth straight tackle to get on three balls.
After the homer, Nicasio was replaced by Ian Gibaut. The first pitch from Gibault was a 93 mph speed ball behind Manny Machado. Monday night’s umpires gathered immediately to discuss the incident, but no warnings or emissions were issued.
After the game, Padres manager Jayce Tingler said Tatis missed a take sign during his at-bat.
“He’s young, a free spirit and straightforward and all that stuff,” Tingler said told reporters. “That’s the last thing we’ll ever take. It’s a learning opportunity and that’s it. He’s going to grow out of it.”
It is worth noting that Tingler spent the past 13 years as a coach for the Rangers, including last season on the staff of then-rookie manager Woodward.
“Just so you know, a lot of our guys have 3-0 green lights,” Tingler added. “But in this game we had a slightly comfortable lead in particular. We are not trying to increase the score or anything like that.”
However, Tatis’ teammate, right-hander Padach Zach Davies, took the opposite direction of his manager and defended Tatis in public.
“A lot of guys talk about unwritten rules of baseball, but you’re in the heat of the moment. You’ll try to get your pitch as a hitter and he does not miss it,” Davies told The Athletic.
“I don’t think you can really blame him for that. Some guys feel different, but everyone has their own opinion on it. Make sure your play is 3-0 a little better. I’m hit 3-0 and homers have hit me. , maybe not in the same situation, but that’s something everyone has a slightly different opinion about. “
And, Tatis, himself – one of the most electric talents in baseball at the moment – took the high road when he addressed the homer in his post-game press conference.
“I’ve been in this game since I was a kid, and I know a lot of unwritten rules,” Tatis said after the game. “And this time I was somewhat lost in this. From those experiences you have to learn. I’ll probably take a pitch next time. I love this game and I respect this game a lot. Every time I go out there, I want to. just feel respect for everyone else. This game is difficult for everyone, so why not just celebrate and have fun as you have fun? “
