Fernando Tatis Jr. Returns as Padres Prep for Wild-Card Series

San Diego, California – Fernando Tatis Jr. returned to the Padres‘ lineup on Friday as they prepare for the final home series of the regular season. Tatis, who has not played since hitting his 23rd homer of the season on Sunday in Chicago, was cleared to play after manager Mike Shildt maintained regular contact with him.

“Felt good putting that name in the top of the lineup,” Shildt said on Thursday, noting that Tatis reported feeling almost back to normal. Tatis opted not to speak with the media upon his arrival but was seen preparing with early hitting and outfield drills.

The Padres are heading into the postseason with a crucial need for a healthy Tatis, especially following the injury to Ramón Laureano, who suffered a fractured right index finger on Wednesday. Shildt referred to Laureano’s injury as severe, comparing it to a shattered glass. “One tough guy,” Shildt remarked about Laureano’s character.

To fill Laureano’s spot, the Padres recalled infielder Will Wagner from the Arizona Complex League. Facing Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen on Friday, Shildt mentioned left-handed hitters Gavin Sheets and Ryan O'Hearn, as well as Jake Cronenworth, could play key roles against upcoming Cubs lefties.

Shildt also indicated a potential role for Jose Iglesias, who has made significant contributions recently. “There’s an opportunity there,” he said, highlighting the importance of matchups.

As the Padres set their lineup, with Tatis in right field and Sheets in left, the Cubs clinched a 12-1 victory over the Cardinals on Friday, adding pressure for the Padres. One more Cubs win or a loss from San Diego will secure Wrigley Field as the venue for next week’s wild-card series.

In pitching matchups, the Padres will start veteran Yu Darvish against Gallen, who is struggling with a 4.70 ERA this season but has historically performed well against the Padres.