New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso feels for San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatís Jr. after his recent injury.
Pete Alonso has made a great case to win National League Rookie of the Year this season. With 39 home runs and 91 RBIs through 121 games for the New York Mets, along with a .263/.368/.591 slash line, Alonso is definitely one of the favorites for the award.
Who could even compete with him? Try San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatís Jr. The rookie, through 84 games this year, has hit 22 home runs and driven in 53 batters with a .317/.379/.590 slash line.
However, Alonso may be the clear-cut winner now. Padres manager Andy Green announced Tatís Jr.’s season could be finished due to a stress reaction in his back. But Alonso isn’t even thinking about the achievement, as he’s more concerned with Tatís Jr.’s setback.
“I don’t want anyone to get hurt. That’s really unfortunate, especially the back,” Alonso said Saturday, per Tim Healey of Newsday. “Any athlete, but baseball especially, there’s a lot of strain on the core and the back, so that’s tough. He’s a really awesome player, and that’s really tough to see.”
Green’s exact quote was that Tatís Jr. is “most likely done,” but that doesn’t confirm his season will absolutely be over. Alonso is hoping he’ll ultimately return to baseball in 2019.
“I hope he can come back (this year). I’ve been hurt before in my career and it sucks not being able to play,” said Alonso. “He’s a fun and exciting player to watch, simple as that. He’s had a hell of a season when he’s healthy, so I wish him the best. I wish him a speedy recovery.”
