Kevork Djansezian\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. said a move to center field is \"not out of the question,\" per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.<\/p>\n
\"I like winning ballgames,\" Tatis said. \"If it means we're going to win more ballgames like that, Ill do it that way.\"<\/p>\n
The All-Star also said he has been shagging balls in the outfield.<\/p>\n
Tatis has missed the entire 2022 season while recovering from a broken wrist, and he is not expected back until after the All-Star break. Ha-Seong Kim has filled in admirably at shortstop, which could push Tatis to the outfield.<\/p>\n
Though he has primarily played shortstop in his professional career, Tatis made seven appearances at center field last season and 20 in right field.<\/p>\n
After the season, Tatis told reporters his plan was to return to shortstop exclusively in 2022 and beyond.<\/p>\n
\"(A.J. Preller) signed a shortstop, and he's gonna have a shortstop,\" he said. \"Thats the plan so far, and I'm not planning on moving for a very long time from there.\"<\/p>\n
The 23-year-old has been inconsistent in the field, however, totaling minus-nine defensive runs saved over his three-year career, per FanGraphs. He was minus-six in the category last year alone.<\/p>\n
Kim has 13 defensive runs saved over the past two years as a shortstop, including a plus-four mark this season, per FanGraphs.<\/p>\n
Tatis is the far superior hitter and was an MVP candidate in each of the past two years. He finished last season hitting .282 with a .364 on-base percentage, 42 home runs and 25 stolen bases. His .975 OPS ranked fourth in the majors.<\/p>\n
Kim has just a .223 average with four home runs with a .653 OPS this year.<\/p>\n
The Padres could still fit both in the lineup with Tatis replacing the struggling Trent Grisham in center field, adding a huge bat to the offense without taking away Kim's strong defensive ability.<\/p>\n
Tatis' apparent willingness to change positions could be a significant boost for San Diego's title hopes.<\/p>\n
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Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr.: Position Change to CF from SS 'Not out of the Question' - Bleacher Report<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Kevork Djansezian\/Getty Images San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. said a move to center field is \"not out of the question,\" per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. \"I like winning ballgames,\" Tatis said. Continue reading