Padres Look to Bounce Back Against Braves in Saturday Showdown

ATLANTA, GA — Gavin Sheets aims to lead the San Diego Padres as they confront the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, May 24, 2025. With star player Fernando Tatis Jr. struggling through a batting slump, Sheets’ recent performance is critical for the team’s success.

Tatis Jr., who has been a cornerstone for the Padres this season, is currently experiencing a significant downturn. He holds a .677 OPS over his last 17 games and is batting just .200 as the team’s leadoff hitter. Despite being tied for the team lead with 12 home runs, Tatis has recorded only two multi-hit games since early May, contributing to the Padres’ below-par record of 7-10 during this stretch.

On Friday, Tatis went 1-for-4 with a double, bringing his season average down to a lowly .289. Conversely, Sheets has been performing well, hitting .290 with five home runs in recent games, including a standout five-RBI game on Thursday. He will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth against the Braves.

Sitting in the lineup behind Sheets, Jake Cronenworth returns to second base after a rest day and will bat seventh. Cronenworth is expected to support the struggling Tatis in the hopes of securing a win for the Padres, who are looking to build momentum after snapping a six-game losing streak.

The Padres come into this game with a 28-21 record, currently positioned third in the National League West and three games behind the Dodgers. Meanwhile, the Braves are poised to clinch their first win of the season against San Diego, holding a record of 24-26 in the National League East.

The matchup on Saturday features Padres’ right-hander Michael King, who has a 4-2 record with a 2.59 ERA this season. King has shown resilience with strong strikeout numbers, having fanned 18 batters over his last 17 innings pitched. His performance will be crucial as he faces Braves’ Grant Holmes, who has a 4.01 ERA and has had mixed success recently.

As both teams gear up for this crucial matchup, the Padres hope that Sheets can continue his hot streak while Tatis looks to regain his form, both aiming to push the team forward as they seek to improve their standing in a competitive division.