Padres outfielder ends 240-plate-appearance home run drought

Fernando Tatis Jr. hit his first home run of the season on May 30, ending a drought that stretched 240 plate appearances and dated to the previous year. The three-time All-Star connected in the fifth inning of the Padres’ 9-4 loss, sending a 451-foot solo drive to left field at Nationals Park. “I just knew right away,” Tatis told reporters after the game. “About f–king time.”

staff Teammates greeted Tatis with handshakes as he rounded third base. Manager Craig Stammen said the moment lifted a burden the player and club had carried. “Bet you he’ll sleep a little better tonight, knowing that he has a little ‘one’ on his numbers,” shortstop Xander Bogaerts said.

307 slugging percentage across 55 games. His last home run had come on Sept. 27 of the prior season. Tatis noted the absence of off days in the schedule. “This game will find a way how to still punish you,” he said. The Padres surrendered six runs in the seventh inning after the homer, marking their 25th loss of the season.