The San Diego Padres are on a roll after beating the San Francisco Giants 4–1. However, the score didn’t get people’s attention; it was RF Fernando Tatis Jr., who was hit by a 98 mph pitch on the left hip. Did the benches get cleared? No! Instead, Tatis did something very unusual.

That HBP was the sixth of the season, but Tatis Jr. didn’t even flinch. In contrast, the Dodgers game was full of chargers, pandemonium, and empty benches. Here? A complete opposite. He was calm, collected, and no scenes were made, leaving everyone a little bit surprised. But he had his reasons.

When asked about his restraint, Tatis opened up in a candid conversation revealed by the San Diego Union-Tribune. He shared, “I could charge the mound. But there’s a reason why I’ve been holding myself. If I go out there, it’s not like I’m just going to talk to him. If I go out there, I’m probably going to lose it. And at the end of the day, I’m probably going to lose more than what I can accomplish by doing that. So, I’m just trying to stay in the game and find a way to beat them.”

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That focus became his weekend mantra: “Just finding a way to beat them.” And when asked if pitchers had gotten into his head by pitching to him. He said, “Probably. Because in the areas I’ve been hit in my hand, some of them have still been there, still hurt.” Naturally, he explained, a player might flinch when standing at the plate, but he emphasized that he was not using that as an excuse. He added that he just had to find a way to go out there and perform—to find a way.

Tatis Jr. has been doing really well, though. He had an impressive weekend, recording two hits on Saturday and two more on Sunday. Over the last 35 games, he boasts a .407 on-base percentage (OBP), two home runs, and a .394 slugging percentage.

The Giants’ win has given San Diego a lot of confidence. And now everyone is looking forward to August 15, when the Tatis will play the Boys in Blue. Both clubhouses share a history, and it’s been anything but calm. Do you remember when the plaque was taken down and Tatis called out the Dodgerland?

Fernando Tatis Jr.’s low-key war of words with Dodger Stadium

Back in 2021, Tatis Jr. hit a 467-foot home run off Dodger Stadium. And for that, he got a plaque in Chavez Ravine. But this season in June, that plaque was no longer there. The Dodgers informed that it was damaged and taken down. And timings fuel the removal. It was removed when Tatis was HBP three times. Which made it seem more like a sign than a coincidence.

And Tatis didn’t hold back from fanning the flames. When asked about his experience playing in the Dodgers’ stadium. He replied, “I just don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.” And he didn’t stop there.

He also enjoyed teasing Dodgers supporters. After being hit by a fastball, he blew kisses and stuck his tongue out at the crowd in a cheeky manner, highlighting the intensity of the rivalry. Tatis has really gotten into the dramatic part of this rivalry. The Dodgers were caught off guard by the missing plaque and the playful taunts. Now, the question is whether he can withstand like he did against the Giants when the two teams meet again.