Fernando Tatis Jr. is still looking for his first homer of the season as the Padres open a weekend series against the Chicago White Sox.
A first home run has been missing for Fernando Tatis Jr., and now the Padres star has a chance to change that when San Diego hosts the Chicago White Sox for the first game of a three-game weekend series on Friday.
Misryoum notes that the wait has been one storyline in a season where Tatis has continued to show why fans expect big moments.. He has yet to add a homer to his totals, despite recent swings that suggest he’s close.. Through 10 attempts, he’s also been active on the base paths, but his bat has not provided the one highlight he’s chasing.
At this point, the key isn’t just whether a homer comes, but how Tatis fits his timing into a season that’s already started to test the lineup.. Misryoum finds it easy to see why patience is running thin: when a hitter with his track record stays without a long ball for this long, every at-bat can start to feel like a turning point.
Tatis enters the series batting .250 with 13 RBIs and eight stolen bases.. The broader picture for San Diego is a little mixed, with several hitters still searching for their rhythm.. Center fielder Jackson Merrill is down to .200, and second baseman Jake Cronenworth is also struggling compared to his usual standards.
Meanwhile, the Padres are not solely leaning on offense.. Pitching has helped keep them competitive, and the opener on Friday features right-hander German Marquez, who is coming off a win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Mexico City.. Marquez’s record against the White Sox is also something to watch as the teams get set for the weekend rhythm.
This is where the matchup feels especially relevant: when a star is waiting on a specific milestone, teams often tighten the details around the rest of the game.. Misryoum’s takeaway is that strong pitching can reduce the pressure on the lineup by keeping innings manageable while a swing finally lands.
For Chicago, Noah Schultz gets the start.. The rookie left-hander has been effective in limiting damage, and his recent work has helped the White Sox keep building momentum after a slow start.. Chicago finished April at .500 for the first full month since 2023, a sign that the club is starting to find ways to win close contests.
The White Sox are coming off a home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels, including a 10-inning win that ended on a game-winning hit. Chicago’s improved form also comes alongside roster changes, including Munetaka Murakami joining the middle of the order.
Misryoum’s final insight: when a series begins with an offense trying to break out and a pitching matchup that can hold serve, the first game often sets the tone for everything that follows. If Tatis connects early, it could quickly shift how both teams approach the weekend.