SAN DIEGO — Fernando Tatís Jr. says he fell ill with the COVID-19 virus several days ago, which meant he had to watch the party from his couch while the San Diego Padres clinched a playoff spot Monday.

When he returned to the Padres’ lineup Friday after missing three games, Tatís made sure the baseball world knows he’s healthy and ready for October.

Tatís hit a grand slam in the fourth inning of the Padres’ 7-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night, swinging the momentum in a win that kept San Diego in contention for a home playoff series.

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“I feel way better today, and I’m looking forward to feeling even better in the next couple of days,” Tatís said after his fourt

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