San Diego Padres: Why Fernando Tatis Jr. is an All-Star

San Diego Padres rookie Fernando Tatis Jr. has been the best shortstop in the NL this season.  Why he deserves to be on the All-Star roster.

The San Diego Padres made it a priority to have their young phenoms on the roster on Opening Day. Chris Paddack had a tremendous April, but struggled with his command, especially with his changeup so he has kind of disappeared from the NL Rookie of the Year race.

This doesn’t mean he could have five great starts in a row and he jumps right back into the conversation, but his teammate should be the Rookie of the Year and an All-Star.

Javier Baez. Trevor Story. Paul DeJong. Dansby Swanson.

All of those names mentioned have a better chance to make the All-Star game than Fernando Tatis Jr. because of their bigger markets and they didn’t get hurt.

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Tatis laid to the ground after doing the splits attempting to catch a throw from Matt Wisler in Washington on April 28. He was on the Injured List with a left hamstring injury until the beginning of June.

Before he got hurt he was hitting .300 and since he got back he has gained 27 points. He leads all shortstops with a .981 OPS in addition to being third in stolen bases with 11.

But this isn’t all about the numbers.

The All-Star Game is about showcasing the young talent that this game has, and Tatis is 20 with the most hustle and energy in the game.

If you haven’t seen it yet, on Sunday Tatis tagged and scored on a lazy pop-up to second base. He would be the only guy in the league to even think about doing that. Let me remind you he did this fresh off a hamstring injury.

If you just watch one San Diego Padres game more than likely he leads off the game and works a walk or a base hit-or maybe hit a leadoff homer as he did against the Giants earlier this season.

He is the most athletic player on the field. On numerous occasions, he has made a diving catch to save a run or show off his arm on a backhand play.

This guy needs to be in the All-Star game not just on his outrageous numbers but his energetic playing style.