Sun May 25 21:40:00 UTC 2025: **Padres Look to Sheets as Tatis Struggles in Leadoff Spot**

**Atlanta, GA** – The San Diego Padres are hoping Gavin Sheets can continue his hot streak as Fernando Tatis Jr. struggles at the plate, despite maintaining solid overall season numbers. Tatis, who leads the team in home runs (12), runs (37), and OPS (.888), has seen his batting average dip to a season-low .289 after hitting just .200 over his last 17 games. This dip in performance may be contributing to the Padres’ recent 7-10 record.

Sheets, on the other hand, is hitting .290 with five homers and 15 RBIs in the same span, including a five-RBI performance on Thursday. His recent contributions are pushing him into consideration for an everyday role. He is slotted as the DH batting sixth in today’s game.

Tatis remains in the leadoff spot for Saturday’s 1:10 p.m. ET game against the Atlanta Braves. Jake Cronenworth returns to second base, batting seventh. Brandon Lockridge, despite his .203 average, continues to get at-bats against right-handed pitching over Jason Heyward.

The Padres, currently 28-21, are looking to build on Friday’s win that snapped a six-game losing streak. They are currently in third place in the NL West, three games behind the Dodgers.

Right-hander Michael King (4-2, 2.59 ERA) takes the mound for San Diego. King has a 3.71 ERA in his last three starts, striking out 18. He faces Braves right-hander Grant Holmes (2-3, 4.01 ERA), who is coming off three quality starts in his last four appearances.

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