TinCaps shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was named the Midwest League Player of the Week. (File photo by Mike Deak)

FORT WAYNE – TinCaps shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. is the Midwest League Player of the Week for May 15-21. The Padres’ 6th-ranked prospect hit .462 (12-26) with six RBIs, three home runs, a triple, and three doubles over the past week.

Tatis Jr., who is currently on a 17-game on-base streak, has reached base in 30 of his last 31 games played. Over the 17-game period, the 18-year old is batting .373 (25-67) with a .455 on-base percentage, 12 RBIs, four home runs, two triples, and five doubles.

“It was probably like three weeks in [before things clicked],” he told MiLB.com. “I started trying to hit the ball to right field more, and I just started seeing the ball well and putting some spin on it. I keep working on my approach to use the big part of the field. Just stay short with my hands, look for my pitch and when I get it, don’t miss it.”

The son of former major leaguer Fernando Tatis, Tatis Jr.’s talent has shined throughout the season. The younger Tatis ranks tied for 2nd in the Midwest League in games played (41), 4th in total bases (76), 6th in hits (45), and 10th in RBIs (24).

“I tried to get stronger and bigger and did a lot to work on that [in the offseason],” he said. “Now, I’m just trying to put the ball on the barrel. I was talking with my dad, and he told me that I’m big enough to hit for power and average, so he told me to try to do both. Just swing hard.”

Despite being the fifth youngest player in the Midwest League, Tatis Jr. leads the TinCaps or his tied for the team lead in hits, RBIs, home runs, doubles, triples, and slugging percentage.

Tatis was also selected to MiLB.com’s Prospects Team of the Week. He’s the youngest player to receive that honor this season.