Fernando Tatís Jr. hit two home runs on July 1, 2026, in a 9-7 loss to the Cubs.
What happened?
The Padres' starting rotation continues to struggle, with JP Sears failing to complete five innings.
Fernando Tatís Jr.'s home runs were a highlight, with his second homer moving him past Phil Nevin for fourth on the Padres' all-time list.
The 27-year-old Tatis joked that his milestone means he's "getting old".
Why it matters for Fernando Tatís Jr.
Tatis' performance is a reminder of his capabilities, and he is starting to come out of a "no-power kind of funk" according to Padres manager Craig Stammen.
Stammen praised Tatis' at-bats, saying "you just feel like any time that he's at the plate when he's swinging like that, he can leave the yard".
What comes next?
The Padres will look to improve their starting rotation and execution, with Tatis' home runs a positive sign for the team.
Tatis will aim to continue his strong form, with two more games like his recent performance potentially tying him with Adrián González for third on the Padres' all-time list.
The Padres' struggles with driving in runners and defensive mistakes continue to be a concern, with the team going 7-for-35 with runners in scoring position during their four-game losing streak.
On July 1, 2026, the Cubs hit five home runs, while the Padres hit four, in a game decided by the long ball.
The bigger picture
The Padres' starting rotation ranks 25th in ERA and 27th in innings pitched, and the team has no chance to make the postseason unless this improves.
The Padres will need to address their starting rotation and execution issues to turn their season around, with Tatis' home runs a rare bright spot in a difficult stretch for the team.