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Why Padres started Fernando Tatis Jr. at second base for first time
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- Why Padres started Fernando Tatis Jr. at second base for first time
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As the San Diego Padres decided to start Fernando Tatis Jr. at second base on Saturday ahead of the matchup against the Colorado Rockies , fans have been buzzing at the position change. With Tatis looking to shake off an early-season slump for the Padres , manager Craig Stammen discusses the change and the excitement that comes with it.
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It doesn't look to be a permanent change for Tatis and San Diego as Xander Bogaerts is having an off-day with Jake Cronenworth playing shortstop, leading to the star's shift to second base. Stammen would say to reporters on Saturday before the game that the team had been planning this since spring training, a nd sees it as a way to get some guys on rest days.
"We've been planning this for a little while. We've given him a heads up, trying to figure out a way to get Jake and Xander some days off coming up, and felt like Tatis was the best option at second base and the most fun and exciting option at second base. So, you know, get that kid smiling a little bit might help too," Stammen said, via 97.3 The Fan.
Why the Padres' decision to go with Fernando Tatis Jr. at second base
As Tatis is usually seen in right field, the star has taken some ground balls at second before games, which was a signal that this change could have been coming. Stammen is no doubt confident in how exceptional an athlete the 27-year-old is, also touting how it "keeps his brain active."
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"That he's an amazing athlete and can do about anything, that's really all it is, just really confident in who he is as a person, who he is as an athlete," Stammen said. "I think you put something in front of him, he'll be able to do anything…keeps him engaged and having fun and showing up to the ballpark with something new to achieve."
It remains to be seen how many games Tatis will play at second base and when he'll get out of his offensive slump, recording a .189 batting average through 14 games.
Related: What Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. said about surprising start at second base
Related: Padres shock fans with Fernando Tatis Jr. decision before Rockies game
