Padres

Tatis Brings Slam Diego Back with Spring Training Bomb

The homer was his first of the year, coming in his second Cactus League appearance.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – MARCH 02: Infielder Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres hits a grand slam home run in the top of the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 2, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)

Fernando Tatis Jr. brought back some good memories Tuesday, and hopefully provided a glimpse of what's to come in 2021.

The Padres star hit a grand slam in the second inning of his team's 7-2 win over Arizona. Tatis' 441-foot blast came on a first pitch fastball against Caleb Smith.

Tatis was responsible for the first leg of the Friars' historic Slam Diego streak last season. He was followed by Wil Myers, Manny Machado and Eric Hosmer - who became the first MLB teammates to hit slams in four consecutive games.

The 22-year-old shortstop, who just signed a 14-year $340 million contract, is also knocking the rust off of his bat flips. He modestly celebrated after parking his grand slam on the berm in left field at the Diamondbacks' spring stadium.

The Padres' win was their first of 2021 Cactus League action. They get back to work Wednesday with Blake Snell making his first appearance in a matchup with the Brewers.

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