PITTSBURGH (AP) — On Friday night, May 2, 2025, the San Diego Padres faced a significant scare as star outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. exited their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to a left arm contusion after being hit by a pitch. The incident occurred in the top of the third inning when Tatis, who was batting with two outs and behind 0-1 in the count, was struck on the left forearm by a high, inside pitch thrown by Pirates starter Mitch Keller.
Tatis immediately dropped his bat and retreated backward out of the batter's box, cradling his left arm in pain. He collapsed to his knee, visibly distressed, as trainers rushed to his aid. Within moments, a large welt began to swell on his forearm, prompting the Padres' medical staff to evaluate him closely. Following the examination, Tatis was removed from the game and replaced on the basepaths by Oscar Gonzalez.
Initial X-rays conducted on Tatis were negative, providing some relief to the Padres and their fans. He was reported to be receiving treatment and would continue to be evaluated as the night progressed. Tatis later commented on his condition, stating, "I feel good, just a little bit sore. Bones came out good, so I’m going to sleep on it, see how it feels tomorrow and go from there." His upbeat outlook was a welcome sign for a team already grappling with injuries.
The 26-year-old Tatis has been having an exceptional season, boasting a .345 batting average with eight home runs and 18 RBIs over 30 games. His performance has placed him among the league's elite, ranking third in Major League Baseball in OPS (1.021), sixth in on-base percentage (.419), and sixth in slugging percentage (.602). Such statistics have led many to consider him a frontrunner for the National League MVP award.
Manager Mike Shildt expressed relief following the initial examination, noting, "Clearly, it looks like we dodged a potential bullet. I mean, [he] didn't dodge it all the way, got nicked really hard. … That thing was swelling like right in front of our eyes. It was just getting bigger as we were looking at it. Thankfully, the initial X-rays were negative and talking to him, it’s a pretty severe contusion, and he’ll sleep on it and we’ll see what it looks like tomorrow." Shildt’s comments underscored the precarious nature of injuries in the sport and the impact they can have on a team’s performance.
The Padres have been particularly hard-hit by injuries this season, with notable players like outfielder Jackson Merrill, who is recovering from a right hamstring strain, and veteran pitcher Yu Darvish, who has not yet pitched this season due to right elbow inflammation. The absence of key players has raised concerns about the team's depth and ability to compete in the highly competitive National League West division.
Despite these setbacks, the Padres managed to secure a 9-4 victory against the Pirates on Friday night, showcasing their resilience. The team totaled 14 hits in Tatis’ absence, with players stepping up to fill the void. Gavin Sheets led the charge, finishing 3-for-5 with a home run, while Tyler Wade contributed with a 2-for-4 performance that included an RBI. Gonzalez, who replaced Tatis, also made his mark by tallying a hit and scoring a run.
“It’s beautiful,” Tatis remarked on the team’s ability to perform despite his injury. “It’s a good team, so it’s a really good sign to see.” His words reflect the camaraderie and determination that define the Padres, even in challenging circumstances.
Friday night marked the beginning of a crucial nine-game road trip for San Diego, a stretch that could significantly impact their standing as they look to chase down the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. The Padres have a favorable schedule through May, and if they can capitalize on this opportunity, it could set them up nicely for a critical stretch of divisional games in June.
Shildt emphasized the talent and preparedness of his squad, stating, “We’ve got good players. They’re really talented, they’re prepared, they’re aware of situations, they play the game. We’ve got good continuity with our group and how we compete.” With the depth of their roster being tested, the Padres will need to rely on each player to step up as they navigate this challenging season.
As the Padres await further evaluations on Tatis’ injury, the team and its fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for their star player. The impact of his absence, should it extend beyond a few days, could be significant for a team that has already faced its fair share of adversity this season. For now, the focus remains on the next game and the hope that Tatis will soon return to the lineup, continuing his impressive campaign and leading the Padres through a critical phase of their season.
