Padres manager Mike Shildt expresses frustration over repeated instances of pitchers targeting Fernando Tatis Jr.’s head during games.
Despite Tatis’s current batting average of .245 and OPS of .775, Shildt has noticed an alarming trend of pitches aimed too closely at Tatis.
He emphasizes that while pitching inside is acceptable, aiming near Tatis’s head is unnecessary and provocative.
Shildt asserts that such actions only serve to aggravate Tatis and are unwarranted. He warns that the Padres will not tolerate this behavior much longer.
In a recent game against the Diamondbacks, Tatis had to dodge a pitch that came uncomfortably close to his head, prompting visible frustration from the player.
Shildt acknowledges that pitching inside is a legitimate tactic but emphasizes the need to avoid targeting a player’s head or upper body. He asserts that such actions are inappropriate and indefensible, regardless of the circumstances.
Tatis himself addresses the issue, speculating that pitchers may perceive targeting him as a strategic advantage, particularly following his suspension for steroid use in 2022.
However, he emphasizes that pitching near his head is unacceptable and calls for pitchers to find alternative ways to approach him on the field.
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