Fernando Tatís Jr. Safe to Make All-Star Week Plans as Padres Head to St. Louis

Fernando Tatís Jr. is likely safe to make plans for this year's All-Star break, despite a slow start to the season. The Padres' star outfielder has 170,376 votes in the initial All-Star ballot update, making him the 19th-ranked NL outfielder.

What happened?

Fernando Tatís Jr. is riding a nine-game on-base streak into Monday's game against the Cardinals in St. Louis. He will play lead off and right field, allowing Sung-Mun Song to get his first start since Wednesday.

Why it matters for Fernando Tatís Jr.

Tatís Jr.'s .696 OPS is one reason he's still a top contender for the All-Star break. The other reason is that he's No. 19 among the 20 NL outfielders listed among the top vote-getters in the initial All-Star ballot update.

What comes next?

Manny Machado will serve as the DH for the fifth time this year, allowing Will Wagner to get his first start in the field this year-at third base. The Padres will face the Cardinals in a three-game series, with Wandy Peralta starting on the mound.

The Cardinals will line up as follows: Gavin Sheets will bat fourth and play left field, while Rodolfo Durán will start and bat ninth. The Padres are using an opener in front of RHP Lucas Giolito, who allowed just two runs-one earned-over four innings in his last start but tied a season-high with five walks.

Lucas Giolito has a 3.70 ERA in four career starts against the Cardinals, the last in 2023 (7 IP 2 ER). He has history with five current Cardinals: Alec Burleson, Lars Nootbaar, Nelson Velazquez, Jordan Walker, and Jose Fermin.

Dustin May will start for the Cardinals, having allowed three earned runs or fewer in 10 of his last 11 starts (2.89 ERA). He's coming off six strikeouts over six shutout innings in a win at the Mets.

The Padres will face the Cardinals in a three-game series, with Wandy Peralta starting on the mound. The series will be a test for the Padres, who are looking to make a push for the playoffs.

The pitching matchup

The Padres will face the Cardinals in a three-game series, with Wandy Peralta starting on the mound. The series will be a test for the Padres, who are looking to make a push for the playoffs.