No angels in the outfield: How Fernando Tatís Jr. & Co. flipped the NLDS vs. Dodgers became the story of the season as the San Diego Padres turned uncertainty into triumph. In Los Angeles, 21-year-old Jackson Merrill and 31-year-old Jurickson Profar emerged as key players, showcasing their skills in a pivotal moment for the team.
As the Padres arrived in Arizona for spring training, questions loomed over their outfield lineup. With the departure of Juan Soto and Trent Grisham, the only remaining outfielder on the 40-man roster was José Azocar, who was not expected to last with the franchise through the 2024 season.
The Padres found their answers in an unexpected combination: a $1 million free-agent signing and a promising infield prospect. Profar had a career year, ranking seventh in the majors for on-base percentage, while Merrill dazzled in his transition from shortstop to center field, leading all major league rookies in FanGraphs wins above replacement. Tatís, a dynamic player, led the newly reformed outfield, which transformed from a source of concern to one of the league’s most formidable groups.
On Sunday, this trio played a crucial role in the Padres’ decisive 10-2 victory over the Dodgers, leveling the National League Division Series. Their collective effort included clutch hits and impressive defensive plays, capturing the attention of a raucous crowd at Dodger Stadium.
“It’s wild out here,” remarked Tatís. “While it can get a bit emotional, it creates a great atmosphere for baseball.”
The Padres solidified their outfield just before Opening Day. They re-signed Profar, a former top prospect who had struggled offensively in his first decade in the league. Meanwhile, Merrill, a 20-year-old who had never played above Double-A, won the center field position in spring training.
In a remarkable turn of events, all three players became All-Stars, and their standout performances continued into Game 2 of the NLDS.
Together, Profar, Tatís, and Merrill amassed eight hits and three home runs, showcasing their talent on a night filled with drama that saw fans expressing their frustrations by throwing objects onto the field.
“What I saw was a group of guys who faced a hostile crowd and said, ‘We’re going to let our performance speak for itself,’” noted Padres manager Mike Shildt. “They elevated their game and came together.”
During the seventh inning, chaos erupted as debris was hurled from the stands towards the San Diego outfielders, prompting a nine-minute delay. Yet, this only seemed to ignite the Padres, who went on to hit four of their six home runs following the disturbance.
“Seeing Profar get stuff thrown at him made us all upset,” Tatís said. “But we know we have a mission to complete.”
Profar set the tone early in the game, as the Padres once again capitalized on a struggling Dodgers pitching staff. They took an early lead, only to see the Dodgers respond, or so it seemed.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically in the first inning when Mookie Betts appeared to have hit a home run, only to find that Profar had made an incredible catch, denying him the score.
“That was hilarious,” Merrill commented. “But if I were Mookie, I’d be furious.”
Merrill, along with Tatís, initially had no idea that Profar had made the catch. “I thought we were in trouble,” he said. “But when he threw it in, I was amazed.”
Tatís shared the same sentiment, admitting that he was uncertain until he saw Profar’s celebration. “My emotions went through the roof,” he said.
The tension in the stands escalated as the game progressed, with fans expressing their displeasure toward the Padres’ outfielders. In the fourth inning, Tatís made an impressive catch that earned him both applause and boos. He engaged with the crowd, showing that he thrives in such environments.
However, the situation took a darker turn in the seventh inning when fans threw objects at Profar and Tatís. Profar was visibly upset, calming only when his teammates came over to support him. Stadium security had to intervene, reminding fans not to throw items onto the field.
“You can say whatever you want, but throwing things is dangerous,” Profar stated.
Despite the chaos, Darvish continued to dominate on the mound, finishing with a strong seven-inning performance. After the delay, Machado rallied the team, emphasizing the importance of staying focused amid the distractions.
Earlier in the game, Machado found himself in a heated exchange with Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty after Tatís was hit by a pitch. Tensions flared, leading to a verbal confrontation between Machado and Flaherty.
As the atmosphere grew increasingly charged, Merrill maintained his composure. He contributed significantly to the team’s success, driving in runs and sealing the game with a two-run home run. His impressive postseason performance continued, reflecting his regular-season achievements.
“He just shows up and plays,” Tatís praised. “His talent and character are evident to everyone.”
Despite the unruly crowd, Tatís added to the excitement in the ninth inning by hitting another home run, leaving fans with a memorable moment.
The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium was intense, but the Padres outfielders rose to the occasion, demonstrating their resilience and skill.
Now, with the series tied, the Padres are heading back to San Diego, where they will face an eager home crowd.
“We know our fans will be loud and excited,” Shildt said. “But we will also keep it classy in San Diego.”
