With their backs against the wall in the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, the San Diego Padres look to Fernando Tatis Jr. to spark their offense. Manager Craig Stammen praised the team's resilience, noting players have repeatedly overcome adversity. Tatis Jr., who struggled early in the season with a low slugging percentage, transformed his swing through determination and guidance from former coaches, culminating in a two-month surge that fueled San Diego's September dominance.
His postseason opener included a 405-foot leadoff home run at Petco Park, but he has since gone 1-for-14. The Padres have scored just five runs and gone 3-for-18 with runners in scoring position in the first two games. Since the 2-2-1 NLDS format began, only three of 36 teams down 0-2 on the road have won the series.
For San Diego to become the fourth, their offense must improve, starting with Tatis Jr. As Xander Bogaerts said, 'He goes, we go.' Tatis has a history of mechanical adjustments, including a World Baseball Classic grand slam against Israel, but acknowledges his athleticism can sometimes be a curse due to over-tinkering.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing