Joe Girardi weighs in on Fernando Tatis Jr. situation, MLB’s unwritten rules

The most talked-about hit from last night's MLB slate really didn't make a dent in the outcome of the game, but everyone seems to have an opinion on its circumstances. Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. stepped up with the bases loaded in the 8th inning of a game his team was leading 10-3 over the Rangers. He worked a 3-0 count, then tattooed an opposite-field home run – his 2nd of the game – to give his team a 14-3 cushion. Rangers manager Chris Woodward was none too pleased with Tatis swinging away 3-0, telling reporters, "I didn't like it personally. You're up by 7 in the 8th inning, it's typically not a good time [to swing] 3-0. It's kind of the way we were all raised in the game. But ... the norms are being challenged." Padres skipper Jayce Tingler said he gave Tatis the "take" sign, a sign Tatis said after the game he missed. Players around baseball responded to Woodward and the Rangers on social media. Fernando Tatis keep playing hard and playing great, it's a pleasure to watch you play, love your success and the Padres rise to be a winner. Keep leading the way. It ain't easy to hit Hrs. Keep bringing energy you have to the game, we need players like you. An All Star — Reggie Jackson (@mroctober) August 18, 2020 Hey @tatis_jr listen up: 1) Keep swinging 3-0 if you want to, no matter what the game situation is 2) Keep hitting homers, no matter what the situation is 3) Keep bringing energy and flash to baseball and making it fun 4) The only thing you did wrong was apologize. Stop that. — Trevor Bauer (@BauerOutage) August 18, 2020 3-0 counts rule ???????? you just have to pitch better if you don't want that to happen I never see that rule and I take my self as an example because I'm the king????????????????of 3-0 counts ????????‍♂️????????‍♂️ https://t.co/TkMDDOCIkX — Eduardo Rodriguez (@eduardorod5) August 18, 2020 I don't follow unwritten rules... — CountOnAG (@Amir_Garrett) August 18, 2020 Tuesday afternoon, Phillies manager Joe Girardi was asked about Tatis' grand slam, and baseball's "unwritten" rules. "I'm OK with managers keeping their foot on the pedal, I'm OK with that, that doesn't bother me," Girardi said. "I'm a fan of just letting the guys play. Because you never know." That sounds like a man who has a well-adjusted view of baseball, and the real world. It also sounds like a man whose bullpen has been known to struggle, even with a huge lead. Subscribe and rate the Phillies Talk podcast: Apple Podcasts / Google Play / Spotify / Stitcher / Art19 / YouTube Click here to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device. More on the Phillies Phillies' offense is rolling but injuries are mounting Wheeler helps complete sweep, has been exactly what Phillies paid for Quinn placed on IL after experiencing COVID symptoms David Robertson on potential return: ‘Maybe three weeks' Why Phillies have been able to beat up on Mets so much lately