Profar's Knee Troubles
San Diego Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar is second in the big leagues in batting and holds the top spot in the National League for on-base percentage. However, he has been grappling with a sore knee, an issue that led to his premature exit from Tuesday night's game against the Oakland Athletics.
The injury intensified when Profar swung at a pitch in the eighth inning, causing him to collapse. David Peralta stepped in as a pinch-hitter but only managed a fly out to center field. Manager Mike Shildt indicated that the team has been managing the injury effectively, although the particular night was unfavorable for Profar.
"It's something he's been battling and playing with a little bit," Shildt said. "Tonight it just was one of those nights that wasn't good for him."
Tatis Jr.'s Streak and Padres' Resilience
Despite the setback with Profar, the Padres showcased their resilience. Fernando Tatis Jr. continued his impressive form by extending his hitting streak to 17 games and marking a 21-game on-base streak. The Padres managed to secure a 4-3 victory against the Athletics and aimed to achieve their first sweep of the season on Wednesday.
Tatis Jr. emphasized the team's resilience and acknowledged the significant impact of Profar's injury on the team. "Every win is huge, even losing Profar at the end and still as a team being able to come back shows what resiliency we have," he remarked.
Shildt echoed Tatis Jr.'s sentiments, highlighting the collective attitude of the team. "We feel like we are in every single game. It's concerning. It's huge. It's like losing our very backbone right now. Hopefully, our boy can be back tomorrow," he added.
Managing Profar's Condition
Manager Shildt indicated that the medical team is treating Profar's condition proactively, with a clear understanding of the injury. "It's baseball, and injuries are always part of it. It's something he's dealt with and medically we have a handle on. I think we've got a pretty good idea of what this is and we've been able to treat it and get ahead of it," he said.
Shildt also mentioned that they have been monitoring and managing Profar's activity, especially on the bases. "Probably being too much on the bases, that's what we have been talking about," he noted.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, the Padres exhibit a resilient attitude. Profar's health remains a priority, and the team hopes for his swift return to full fitness. The management of injuries and focus on player health will be crucial for the Padres as they continue their campaign.
For San Diego Padres fans, there remains much to be optimistic about. With players like Tatis Jr. stepping up and demonstrating resilience, and a proactive approach to managing key players' health, the future looks promising for the team.
In the words of Shildt, "We feel like we are in every single game, and every win is huge." This steadfast mindset will be essential as the Padres navigate the challenges of the season and aim for continued success.