Profar's Knee Troubles
San Diego Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar is making headlines as he battles a sore knee, which has affected his performance. Profar, who is currently second in the big leagues in batting and holds the top spot in the National League for on-base percentage, has been grappling with his knee injury. This setback led to his premature exit from Tuesday night's game against the Oakland Athletics.
The injury flared up when Profar swung at a pitch in the eighth inning, causing him to collapse. As a result, David Peralta stepped in as a pinch-hitter but could only manage a fly out to center field. Manager Mike Shildt stated that the team has been managing the injury effectively, although he acknowledged that Profar faced a particularly challenging night.
"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
Despite Profar's injury, the Padres showcased their resilience. Fernando Tatis Jr. extended his hitting streak to 17 games and marked a 21-game on-base streak, contributing to the Padres' 4-3 victory against the Athletics. This victory brings the Padres closer to achieving their first sweep of the season on Wednesday.
Tatis Jr. emphasized the team's tenacity and the impact of Profar's injury. "Every win is huge," he said. "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."
Managing Profar's Condition
The Padres' medical team is treating Profar's condition proactively. Shildt assured that they have a good understanding of the injury and are monitoring and managing his activity, especially on the bases. "It's something he's dealt with and medically we have a handle on," Shildt explained.
He further noted, "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. Profar's health remains a priority, and the team is hopeful for his swift return to full fitness. Shildt voiced the collective sentiment: "It's concerning. It's huge. It's like losing our very backbone right now. Hopefully, our boy can be back tomorrow."
As the season progresses, the management of injuries and the focus on player health will be crucial for the Padres. San Diego Padres fans have much to be optimistic about, as the team continues to demonstrate its capability to adapt and persevere through challenges.
Shildt concluded, "It's baseball, and injuries are always part of it."