Profar's Knee Troubles
San Diego Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar, who is second in the big leagues in batting and holds the top spot in the National League for on-base percentage, has been grappling with a sore knee. This nagging injury led to his premature exit from Tuesday night's game against the Oakland Athletics.
The injury intensified when Profar swung at a pitch in the eighth inning, causing him to collapse. David Peralta stepped in as a pinch-hitter but only managed a fly out to center field. Manager Mike Shildt commented that the team has been managing the injury effectively but indicated that Tuesday night was particularly unfavorable for Profar.
"Sore knee. I mean, it's something he's been battling and playing with a little bit," Shildt said. "Tonight it just was one of those nights that wasn't good for him."
Tatis Jr.'s Streak and Padres' Resilience
Meanwhile, Fernando Tatis Jr. extended his hitting streak to 17 games and marked a 21-game on-base streak. The Padres captured a 4-3 victory over the Athletics, aiming for their first sweep of the season on Wednesday. Tatis Jr. emphasized the team's resilience, acknowledging the significant impact of Profar's injury but also celebrating their ability to pull together as a team.
"Every win is huge," Tatis Jr. remarked. "Even losing Profar at the end and still being able to come back as a team shows the resilience we have."
Shildt added, "We feel like we are in every single game."
Managing Profar's Condition
Shildt emphasized that the medical team is treating Profar's condition proactively and assured that they have a good understanding of the injury. Monitoring and managing Profar's activity, especially on the bases, is a key part of their strategy to keep him in the game.
"It's concerning. It's huge. It's like losing our very backbone right now," Shildt stated. "Hopefully our boy can be back tomorrow."
Shildt mentioned that they've been able to treat and get ahead of the injury to a certain extent. "Probably being too much on the bases, that's what we have been talking about," he noted.
Looking Ahead
The Padres exhibit a resilient attitude despite the setback, with Profar's health remaining a priority. The team hopes for his swift return to full fitness while continuing to focus on managing injuries and player health, which will be crucial for their success moving forward.
San Diego Padres fans have much to be optimistic about as the team shows their capacity to overcome adversities and maintain high performance. "It's baseball, and injuries are always a part of it," said Shildt. "It's something he's dealt with, and medically we have a handle on."
In conclusion, while the Padres face challenges with Profar's knee troubles, their resilience and proactive management of injuries provide a strong foundation for continued success. The team remains hopeful and determined, with an eye on achieving more victories and keeping their key players healthy.