MIAMI —
There are a number of awards given out every baseball season.
Some mean more than others. Some get overlooked.
That rookie Fernando Tatis Jr. on Monday received the Padres’ Heart & Hustle award, which is voted on by former players, seemed particularly fitting.
“The award speaks for itself,” Manny Machado said. “He brings the energy to the ballclub every day. Every time he steps on the field, he leaves it out there.”
The Padres consistently refer to Tatis using terms like “spark plug” and say he energizes them.
Despite missing 34 games due to a hamstring injury, Tatis ranks third on the team in runs (47) and runs created (52) and is tied for fourth with 28 extra-base hits.