Fernando Tatis Jr., back in camp after a bout with headaches, took batting practice at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres’ rookie sensation last year, flashed broad smiles and showed no signs of his 2019 back injury while doing fielding and batting practice Saturday at Petco Park.
It was a return from a brief camp removal after he complained of headaches last week but tested (negative) for COVID-19.
He joined outfielder Tommy Pham— cleared for his return from a coronavirus bout — in a batting cage as the team was finally at full strength.
At the early morning practice, the empty stadium was silent except for the crack of fastballs hitting a handful of gloves.
Then scoreboards lit up and country music played, signaling the start of daily team practice for added players about 10 a.m.
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First baseman Eric Hosmer works on mechanics with other players at summer camp at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Padre Fernando Tatís Jr., is in good spirits as he returns to summer camp after a coronavirus scare. Photo by Chris Stone
Padre pitcher Chris Paddack joins other pitchers in the outfield for morning warmups at summer camp.
Padre pitcher Chris Paddack joins other pitchers for morning warmups at summer camp. Photo by Chris Stone
Third baseman Manny Machado squares off to hit a bunt during batting practice at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
First baseman Eric Hosmer took batting practice at summer camp at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Outfielder Wil Myers lets a pitch pass during batting practice. Photo by Chris Stone
Infielder Jurickson Profar participates in fielding practice at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Outfielder Franchy Cordero practices bunting during summer camp at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
First baseman Eric Hosmer participates in fielding practice at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Padres General Manager A.J. Preller was on the field Friday to watch players and talk to coaches. Photo by Chris Stone
Infielder Jurickson Profar gets tips from a Padre coach during summer camp at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Infielder Ty France launches a ball to first baseball man Eric Hosmer during summer camp. Photo by Chris Stone
Jurickson Profar practices fielding at Padres summer camp at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Padres Manager Jayce Tingler keeps an eye on players during summer camp at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Jurickson Profar flips a ball to first base during fielding practice at Petco Park at summer camp before the season begins. Photo by Chris Stone
Padre Fernando Tatís Jr., watches the ball during batting practice at summer camp at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Padre Fernando Tatís Jr., laughs at a teammate’s comment during batting practice at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Padres pitcher Kirby Yates sported a T-shirt reading, “Yaters Gonna Yate” at the baseball camp. Photo by Chris Stone
Padres pitchers work out in the outfield during early morning practice. Photo by Chris Stone
Outfielder Tommy Pham practices bunting after returning to camp after testing positive to the coronavirus earlier. Photo by Chris Stone
Fernando Tatís Jr., who returned to the field after a headache kept him out of camp, practices fielding. Photo by Chris Stone
Padres pitchers wear shorts in the outfield during early morning practice. Photo by Chris Stone
First baseman Eric Hosmer fields a ball during practice at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Outfielder Wil Myers gets in some fielding practice at Petco Park. Photo by Chris Stone
Padres coaches give tips to players at the summer camp that continues through July 23. Photo by Chris Stone
Padres players work on mechanics and get into shape at summer camp for the July 24 opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Photo by Chris Stone
Pham, 32, was cleared to begin working out with the team after recovering from coronavirus, manager Jayce Tingler said Friday. Major League Baseball said he passed a set of protocols — including two negative tests outside a 24-hour span and a doctor’s green light.
“It’s very important for me where I’m at in my career, as far as me still trying to build my resume for free agency or a possible extension,” Pham told The San Diego Union-Tribune. “Everything matters right now — this year and next year. I’m trying to separate myself from the other outfielders in (free agency).”
Acquired from Tampa Bay, Pham has a one-year deal with the Padres, with 2021 being his final year of arbitration before becoming eligible for free agency.
For the first since July 3 start of camp, the Padres on Saturday didn’t stage an intrasquad game.
