Tatis goes WAY UP for incredible leaping catch
AJ Cassavell
@AJCassavellSAN DIEGO -- The spectacular has become routine for Fernando Tatis Jr.
The Padres' shortstop is only 20 years old, but he has already established himself as one of the game's most exciting players. And he was up to his usual tricks in the Padres' 10-4 loss to the Rays on Monday at Petco Park.
Tampa Bay first baseman Jesus Aguilar hit a soft liner that seemed ticketed for left field in the third inning. Against most other shortstops, it would've fallen for a fairly routine single.
Tatis isn't like most other shortstops.
The rookie phenom timed his leap perfectly and reached the apex of his jump just as the baseball intersected with his glove. He snared the ball out of mid-air and landed on two feet as Petco Park let loose in amazement. Tatis himself seemed a little bewildered.
¡°I didn't think I was going to get it,¡± Tatis said. ¡°I didn't even realize I caught it. I guess I thought it was going a little faster than it was. I don't know, I guess it was just a super stretch.¡±
Another night, another jaw-dropping moment from one of the game's true five-tool players. Tatis has emerged as a favorite for the National League Rookie of the Year Award, hitting .315/.378/.591. He has made headlines this season for his daring baserunning, his mammoth home runs, his high batting average and his strong arm.
On Monday, Tatis' defense took center stage.
¡°He¡¯s an impressive athlete, and that¡¯s a really impressive catch,¡± Padres manager Andy Green said. ¡°He got off the ground, and he does things you just typically don¡¯t see.¡±
¡°What can I say?¡± Tatis added. ¡°It's just part of my job.¡±