LEADING OFF: Tatis on IL, Reds and Baddoo off to big starts

A look at what’s happening around the majors Wednesday:

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WAITING GAME

Now that Fernando Tatis Jr. has been placed on the injured list, the San Diego Padres hope their electrifying shortstop won't be sidelined too long. Tatis should be able to avoid surgery on his left shoulder, the team said a day after he slightly dislocated it taking a hard swing.

An MRI on Tuesday showed a slight labral tear and the Padres put the 22-year-old Tatis on the 10-day IL. General manager A.J. Preller said the club wasn’t ruling out anything, including Tatis’ possible return when he’s eligible.

According to Preller, doctors said another partially dislocated shoulder could occur again but playing this season wouldn’t put him at long-term risk.

“Everybody was very confident that surgery wasn’t the answer at this point in time,” Preller said. “We can keep him on the field here this year and be able to put him in a spot where he can be successful and not be in pain and we’re not doing any kind of long-term damage.”

Tatis experienced left shoulder discomfort twice during spring training, once after sliding headfirst into home plate and again several days later after making a backhand play and throwing to first.

Tatis signed a 14-year, $340 million contract on Feb. 22, the longest deal in big league history.

WOO HOO FOR BADDOO!

Tigers rookie Akil Baddoo is off to a smashing start in the majors. The 22-year-old outfielder homered Sunday against Cleveland on the first pitch thrown to him in the big leagues and then hit a grand slam against Minnesota on Monday.

On Tuesday, the rookie entered as a pinch-runner, stayed in to play the outfield and delivered a game-ending single in the 10th to beat the Twins.

“That feeling right there is the best feeling. We won, so I want...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Tatis-on-IL-Reds-and-Baddoo-off-to-16082020.php