Profar's Knee Troubles
San Diego Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar is currently second in the big leagues in batting and holds the top spot in the National League for on-base percentage. However, Profar has been grappling with a sore knee, an issue that 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 on the field. David Peralta stepped in as a pinch-hitter but only managed a fly out to center field. Manager Mike Shildt explained that the team has been effectively managing the injury but acknowledged that the night was particularly unfavorable for Profar.
Shildt remarked, "Sore knee. I mean, it's something he's been battling and playing with a little bit. Tonight it just was one of those nights that wasn't good for him."
Tatis Jr.'s Streak and Padres' Resilience
Despite Profar's setback, the San Diego Padres exhibited resilience. Star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. extended his hitting streak to 17 games and marked a 21-game on-base streak. The Padres secured a 4-3 victory against the A's, aiming to achieve their first sweep of the season on Wednesday.
Tatis Jr. emphasized the importance of resilience, acknowledging the significant impact of Profar's injury on the team. "Even losing Profar at the end and still as a team being able to come back shows what resiliency we have. We feel like we are in every single game," Tatis Jr. said.
Managing Profar's Condition
Manager Shildt indicated that the medical team is treating Profar's condition proactively, ensuring they have a good understanding of the injury. He mentioned that they are closely monitoring and managing Profar's activity, especially on the bases.
"It's baseball, and injuries are always part of it," Shildt explained. "It's something he's dealt with and medically we have a handle on. I think we've got a pretty good idea of what this is and we've been able to treat it and get ahead of it. Probably being too much on the bases, that's what we have been talking about."
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, the Padres exhibit a resilient attitude. The team hopes for Profar's swift return to full fitness, with Shildt assuring that his health remains a top priority. The management of injuries and a focus on player health will be crucial for the Padres moving forward.
The San Diego Padres fans have much to be optimistic about. Every win is critical, and the team's ability to stay competitive even in the face of injuries like Profar's highlights their resilience. Profar's health remains a concern, but the medical team is confident in their approach to managing his condition.
As Tatis Jr. put it, "It's concerning. It's huge. It's like losing our very backbone right now. Hopefully, our boy can be back tomorrow." His words echo the sentiments of a team that is determined to overcome adversity and continue their pursuit of success.