MLB insider labels Fernando Tatis Jr. a "dancing peacock," Padres superstar hits back after clutch home run against Dodgers at Petco Park

San Diego Padres' ongoing National League division series against rivals Los Angeles Dodgers has had a fair share of dramatic moments in the three games so far. Padres All-Star Fernando Tatis Jr. added another talking point after the win over the NL West winners in Game 3 on Tuesday.

Following a controversial Game 2 at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, which witnessed Tatis Jr. having a back-and-forth with Dodgers fans in the stands on a few occasions, the Athletic's Ken Rosenthal referred to him as a "dancing peacock" in his column.

The MLB insider's words not only caused a stir among fans but it also caught the attention of the Padres slugger. Tatis Jr., who blasted a clutch two-run homer to cap off a crucial six-run second inning on Tuesday, took a shot at Rosenthal in his Instagram story.

Tatis added a peacock and a dancing emoji to his story, referring to the insider's comment.

For the uninitiated, Ken Rosenthal is also the sideline reporter for the series and he reportedly did not talk to any Padres players after their win in Game 3.

Fernando Tatis Jr. feels the job is not done yet after Game 3 win over Dodgers

Fernando Tatis Jr. has been hot for the Padres in the postseason, going deep for a fourth time in the playoffs this year. Although San Diego holds the advantage going into the fourth game in what would be an electric crowd at Petco Park, Tatis Jr. is not getting carried away.

"We still have a lot of work to do, but one step at a time."

Padres captain Manny Machado, who has been surrounded by controversy after his alleged throw towards Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in Game 2, echoed his teammate's sentiments.

“Job’s not finished,” Manny Machado said. “.. We’ve got to go out there and compete. It’s not going to be easy. It hasn’t been easy. Look what we did today.”

Following a frantic start to Game 3, both bullpens engaged in a war of wits as the Padres completed a narrow 6-5 to take a 2-1 lead in the best of five series. The two teams will be up in a potential NLDS decider on Wednesday.