Right fielder goes 0-for-4 in return; Musgrove deals 6 scoreless to win opener vs. Tigers
SAN DIEGO — Playing their 18th game in 18 days, the Padres received a highly anticipated boost to their lineup.
The Padres activated right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. from the 60-day injured list before Monday’s 3-0 win over the Tigers at Petco Park. The two-time All-Star went 0-for-4 out of the No. 2 spot in the order and handled every defensive play in right field without issue.
With Tatis back, Joe Musgrove pitched six scoreless innings with only three hits allowed and eight strikeouts to earn the win. Luis Arraez went 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI singles, a run scored and a stolen base and Manny Machado added a two-out RBI single in the eighth to lead the offense.
“Feels amazing,” Tatis said prior to the game. “Especially what this team has been doing and how they’ve been taking care of business. I’m really excited to come and just join the squad.”
Tatis, 25, had been out of action since June 22 with a stress reaction in his right femur and missed the Padres’ last 59 games. The Padres went 38-21 in his absence and enter Tuesday five games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. They are one game up on the D-backs for the top NL Wild Card spot.
“We missed him,” said Musgove, who lowered his ERA to 1.30 in five starts since returning from an elbow injury on Aug. 12. “He’s a big bat, his presence, his ability to track balls down on the outfield, you feel very confident filling up the zone and letting the defense work behind you.
“He’s a guy that has been kind of the heart and soul of the team at times here. So, you know, missing him, we’ve done our best to stay above water and keep ourselves in a good position so that he can get himself healthy and come back when he’s ready. It was nice to have him back.”
The Padres optioned outfielder Bryce Johnson to Triple-A El Paso and designated outfielder José Azocar for assignment in corresponding moves.
“Him coming back and being able to be on the field is a big lift,” manager Mike Shildt said. “I mean, his energy is great. It’s infectious. I can’t speak for him, but I know he’s excited and talking to him about how good he feels, about how well the team’s played, and the energy to the team and how everything’s going, he’s just ready to do his part.”
