NFL
By Ty Reeves
Fernando Tatis Jr is arguably the most exciting player in Major League Baseball. The 2021 All-star is showing players, fans, and executives from around the league that it’s his time to shine in the show. Many people have wondered what the future holds for the game of baseball. It’s safe to say that Tatis has shown the game has a lot left in the tank as the 22-year-old has already risen to stardom.
The San Diego Padres ShortStop/Outfielder has had an incredible season so far. For the majority of the season, he has been at the top of the list for National League MVP. But after a stint on the injury list, is it still possible for El Nino to take home the covenant award?
On July 30th, Tatis suffered a partial shoulder dislocation that would land him on the IL. At first, it seemed his fate would match that of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna. Season-ending surgery. However, on August 6th the Padres star confirmed he would return at some point in the 2021 season. Fast forward to now.
Since his return to the Padres lineup on August 15th, Tatis is .353 with 5 RBI’s and 5 runs scored. It’s apparent that El Nino will continue to do what he did all season long. He’s currently batting .295 with 34 home runs, 75 RBI’s, and 23 stolen bases.
When Fernando Tatis Jr. is on the field, he's homering. pic.twitter.com/K4Arlumlxc
— MLB (@MLB) August 20, 2021
The only thing that has changed in Tatis’s game, is his position. Since his return to the diamond, Tatis has only played in Right Field. It’s not clear whether or not he will play again at SS this season as the Padres are trying to limit the strain on his non-throwing shoulder.
Now back to the MVP discussion. His level of play has not dropped since his return to the field, and he’s even changed positions to make sure he’s on the field for his team. In MLB’s experts’ recent poll for AL and NL MVP, Tatis received 60 first-place votes to win the award in the NL.
It seems as though Tatis is on the verge of winning an MVP at the age of 22-years-old, which only great players such as Cal Ripken Jr and Willie Mays have accomplished. If Tatis goes on to win this award, this will be a milestone for what is hopefully a long, thrilling career.
The NL MVP race is heating up.
Are you team Tatis or team Harper? pic.twitter.com/pgByHNq2T2
— MLB (@MLB) August 20, 2021
