Fernando Tatis Jr. and the Padres will face the Dodgers in a critical showdown. Both teams don’t need extra fuel for their rivalry, but the weekend’s stakes make it even bigger. Just a week after the Dodgers swept San Diego in a three-game set, the two sides meet again, this time at Petco Park, with only one game separating them at the top of the NL West.
The momentum is on San Diego’s side after Thursday’s 8-4 win over the Giants. A six-run fifth inning, powered by Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Luis Arraez, gave the Padres their spark back. Their bats look alive at just the right time, and manager Mike Shildt, who has had his own rivalry with Dodgers’ manager, made it clear he can’t wait to face the defending World Series champions.
Talking to the reporters after the game, Shildt said he is excited to face the Dodgers on Friday and wished the game were tonight.
“Can’t wait for tomorrow night. I wish it was tonight,” the Padres manager said via YouTube in a post-match conference.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Keeps It Real Ahead of Dodgers Showdown
However, Fernando Tatis Jr. had a different tone. When asked if he shares Shildt’s excitement about facing the Dodgers, the 26-year-old jokingly said he wants to sleep before taking on the defending World Champions.
“I’m gonna go to sleep first. I’ve been dragging a little bit, but yeah, we’re just ready,” the star outfielder admitted with a smile.
He laughed about Shildt’s hype, admiring his manager’s fire.
“He wants to see us running like that. Everybody knows his attitude, and he’s a front line. It’s always good to have a guy like that leading the line,” Tatis added.
While Fernando Tatis Jr. has stayed calm about the high-stakes series, he was also the first player to show confidence after last week’s sweep by LA, insisting the team would bounce back and that it was far from over.
The atmosphere at Petco Park on Friday is expected to be on another level as the Padres eye revenge and retake control of the NL West. For the Dodgers, it’s about continuing to hold an upper hand on their rivals. Fernando Tatis Jr. will play a crucial role for the team in this game.
The post “I Need To Sleep First” – Fernando Tatis Jr. Is Not Hyped To Play The Dodgers Like Mike Shildt originally published on Total Pro Sports.