Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Fernando Tatis Jr. responds to criticism from announcer

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 4/16/19

San Diego Padres sensation Fernando Tatis Jr. is off to a tremendous start to his career. He entered Monday’s action hitting .268 with five homers, 11 RBI and a robust .933 OBP.

Even then, the 20-year-old infielder is not immune to criticism. Just recently, Arizona Diamondbacks broadcaster Bob Brenly talked about how Tatis Jr. would run faster if he didn’t have a “bike chain around his neck.”

The remarks were about the necklace Tatis Jr. wears during games. As if it somehow slows him down.

In talking to the media ahead of Monday’s game against the Colorado Rockies, Tatis responded to Brenly. While he did take the high road, the NL Rookie of the Year contender also had some words for Brenly.

I asked #Padres SS Fernando Tatis Jr. about the comments made by Diamondbacks broadcaster Bob Brenly, that Tatis would run easier without that "bike chain around his neck." Here's what he said about it. Just a reminder: He's 20 years old. pic.twitter.com/AKRokdrxgY
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) April 16, 2019

Brenly clearly doesn’t understand Latin culture. His shot at Tatis was more indicative of a bygone era of Major League Baseball — one that looks at things in an archaic way.

For his part, the youngster handled said criticism about as well as he could. We give Tatis a lot of credit for that.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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