San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. dodges a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at Chase Field. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Padres manager warns teams about throwing at Fernando Tatis Jr.

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 5/4/24

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt has had enough of opposing teams throwing up and in on Fernando Tatis Jr.

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Scott McGough knocked down Tatis Jr. during Friday’s game, the latest example of what Shildt sees as a pattern. That prompted the manager to warn teams after the game that his team would not tolerate continued brushback pitches against his star outfielder.

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt is incensed at the frequency of pitches thrown towards the head of Fernando Tatis Jr.:
"We're seeing way too many pitches up and in on Tati. It's enough. It really is enough. If you want to throw in, that's fine. But I don't know what people…

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 4, 2024

“We’re seeing way too many pitches up and in on Tati,” Shildt said. “It’s enough. It really is enough. If you want to throw in, that’s fine. But I don’t know what people are trying to accomplish by throwing up and in. All you’re doing is pissing the guy off, and it’s uncalled for. … It’s happening way too frequently, and it’s not something that we’re going to tolerate much longer.”

Tatis Jr. does not have a reputation for getting hit a lot, but he has been hit by pitches twice this season after enduring only three in 2023. It may simply be a coincidence, but it is understandable why pitches like this would leave the Padres unhappy.

An example of one of the pitches Shildt is referring to pic.twitter.com/2S4tgeJIHZ

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 4, 2024

Tatis may not be the most popular player among opponents, which the Padres are likely aware of. It certainly sounds like they might feel the need to target some other teams’ stars if Tatis keeps getting brushed back.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: