Fernando Tatis Jr. is set to return from the 60-day injured list on Monday, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. To activate the 25-year-old outfielder, the Padres will need to clear a spot on their 40-man roster.
Before his injury, Tatis was enjoying a strong season, posting a .279/.354/.468 slash line over 80 games, with a wRC+ of 133. He also stole eight bases and played solid defense, accumulating 2.3 wins above replacement (according to FanGraphs) in roughly half a season before being sidelined by a right femoral stress reaction.
Tatis’ return is a positive development for the Padres, but it also presents a challenge in managing playing time, as many of their players have been performing well. David Peralta, who took over in right field during Tatis’ absence, has a .272/.335/.426 line with a 117 wRC+ this season. Peralta could shift to left field, but Jurickson Profar is excelling there with a .280/.382/.459 line and a 140 wRC+.
The designated hitter role is occupied by Luis Arráez, who, despite a torn thumb ligament, is still producing a .309/.343/.384 line and a 106 wRC+. While Arráez could be moved to first base, it might worsen his thumb injury, and Jake Cronenworth is performing solidly there with a .249/.326/.408 line and a 110 wRC+.
Cronenworth could potentially move to second base, but Xander Bogaerts has that position locked down. Although Bogaerts hasn’t had an outstanding season overall, he’s been much better since returning from a shoulder injury, posting a .325/.360/.431 line and a 124 wRC+ since coming off the IL. Additionally, shifting Bogaerts to shortstop while Ha-Seong Kim is on the IL could temporarily alleviate the lineup congestion, but Kim is expected to return soon.
While the Padres face tough decisions regarding playing time, this depth could prove beneficial, allowing manager Mike Shildt to give players extra rest as the season winds down. The Padres are currently tied with the Diamondbacks for the first NL wild-card spot, with Atlanta and the Mets trailing behind. With playoff contention on the line, having a fresh roster could be crucial for the final stretch and postseason, should the team qualify.
