This spring training game between the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers turned into something far more intense than a simple preseason tune-up. While San Diego pulled off a 9-8 win, the real story of the night was the two high-and-tight pitches aimed at Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tatis Jr. Drilled in the Helmet, Then Forced to Duck Again
In the first inning, Texas pitcher Kumar Rocker unleashed a 95.3 mph fastball that drilled Tatis Jr. on the helmet. Miraculously, he stayed in the game. Then, in the fourth inning, Dane Dunning sent a high-and-inside sinker, forcing Tatis Jr. to duck out of harm’s way once again.
One wild pitch could be an accident. But two? Fans weren’t convinced.
Manny Ramírez on Tatis Jr.’s HBP: “That seems like it was evil”. https://t.co/4yeq3aIwOD
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) March 15, 2025
Was It Intentional? MLB Fans Sound Off
Padres fans immediately called out the Rangers, and even former star Manny Ramirez wasn’t buying that it was a coincidence. According to Héctor Gómez, Ramirez stated:
> “That seems like it was evil.”
Some fans believe it was reckless pitching, while others suspect something more sinister. If it was a message pitch, the Rangers might have just started a rivalry they’ll regret later.
The Fallout: Will This Carry Over?
The Padres and Rangers meet again on March 20, but the real grudge match might come when they clash again in July. In MLB, forgive and forget isn’t a thing—especially when a superstar like Tatis Jr. is involved.
Luckily, he walked away unharmed, but this could have ended far worse. The Padres can’t afford to lose their star, especially when he’s heating up with an OPS over 1.000.
Juan Soto: Tatis Jr. Is the Best in the Game
Meanwhile, Juan Soto—now with the Mets—made waves with his take on who’s the best in baseball.
> “Fernando Tatis Jr. is the best player in the game for me. He can do it all in the field.”
Soto praised Tatis’ speed, power, defense, and elite hitting in a pitcher-friendly stadium. He also dropped another bombshell:
> “The Mets didn’t offer the most money. Some teams offered more.”
So who was it? Which team outbid the Mets’ $765 million for Soto?
Your Take: Was This Just Reckless Pitching, or Something More?
Did the Rangers intentionally go after Tatis Jr., or was it just bad control? And what do you think about Soto’s claim—is Tat is Jr. really the best player in the game?