Fernando Tatís Jr. Responds to David Ortiz's Padres Doubts in NLDS Presser

Fernando Tatís Jr. offered a blunt assessment of broadcaster criticism as his San Diego Padres fought to stay alive in the National League Division Series. The star outfielder responded to Red Sox legend David Ortiz's on-air comments that the Padres were "done" after falling into an 0-2 hole against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Tatís Jr. Dismisses Broadcast Noise, Focuses on the Field

Speaking before NLDS Game 3 at Petco Park on October 6, Tatís Jr. said he had no reaction to Ortiz's prediction. He acknowledged the role of analysts while keeping his own focus clear. "They get paid to talk, and it's their job to find something that is going to resonate," Tatís Jr. said. "But my job over here is to play baseball and give the fans what they want. It's hopefully a W." Through four postseason games against the Chicago Cubs and Brewers, Tatís had collected three hits in 17 at-bats with one home run and four runs scored.

A Historic Postseason Batting Profile Emerges

Tatís Jr.'s impact in October is being measured against the all-time greats. After his first-pitch home run in the Wild Card Series opener on September 30, his career postseason numbers reached a remarkable level. He now owns a 1.178 postseason OPS, which ranks third in MLB history among players with at least 70 plate appearances. That puts him behind only Babe Ruth (1.214) and Lou Gehrig (1.208) on the all-time list. This surge is a key part of his 2026 playoff resurgence after a strong regular season where he hit 25 homers.

Setting the Tone with Immediate Playoff Power

The Padres' playoff run was ignited by instant offense from their biggest stars. In Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Cubs, Tatís Jr. jumped on the very first pitch from Chicago starter Matthew Boyd. He drove it 405 feet to center field for a solo shot, sending Petco Park into a frenzy. Teammate Manny Machado followed with another homer just two batters later, giving San Diego a 2-0 lead they would not relinquish in an eventual 8-0 victory. That explosive start reversed the narrative from 2025, when the Cubs eliminated the Padres in the same round.