Fernando Tatis Jr. is back atop the batting order and it looks like the San Diego Padres are reaping the benefits.

Fernando Tatis Jr. had a strong start to the 2025 season, blasting a massive home run in the San Diego Padres’ game against the Atlanta Braves—a solo shot that put his team ahead on the scoreboard. Fernando Tatis Jr.

Like most position-player stars, Tatis can shine in any lineup spot, but he’s been extra-good at leadoff. He had a .309 batting average, .374 on-base rate and .599 slugging percentage in 161 starts entering Thursday. It’s rare for a hitter to acknowledge he’s locked in after just one game. Then again, a lot of work preceded that one game.