Former Nationals Players Return to Nationals Park in Padres' Victory Washington -- Almost a decade after their initial arrival, Lucas Giolito and Craig Stammen returned to Nationals Park as members of the San Diego Padres, contributing to a 7-5 victory over their former team. Giolito, now 31, made his third start for San Diego since joining as a late free-agent signing in April, while Stammen, the Padres’ manager, spent his first seven Major League seasons with Washington. Their return marked a bittersweet reunion, as the Padres secured a win that added new memories to the storied ballpark. Giolito’s journey to Nationals Park began in 2016, when he made his big league debut at age 21. The right-hander, then regarded as baseball’s top prospect, pitched four clean innings before a rainout halted his debut. His return to the park in 2026 was marred by struggles, as he allowed four earned runs in 2 2/3 innings. His fastball velocity peaked at 91.8 mph, and nearly 65% of his pitches were offspeed, with just over half being strikes. “The stuff we’ve been trying to work on is not taking hold at game speed,” Giolito admitted, acknowledging the difficulty of translating practice to performance. The Padres’ victory was fueled by a clutch seventh-inning two-run homer from Jackson Merrill, who described the hit as “the hardest I’ve hit a ball in a long time.” Merrill’s contribution helped San Diego overcome a 5-3 deficit, securing a win that highlighted the team’s resilience. The game also featured a strong bullpen performance, with the Padres allowing just one run across 6 1/3 innings. Mason Miller closed the game with four outs for his 17th save, ensuring the Padres’ dominance in the late innings. Stammen’s return to Nationals Park carried deeper significance.#san_diego_padres #craig_stammen #jackson_merrill #lucas_giolito #nationals_park
Padres Star Outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. Set to Make First Career Start at Second Base SAN DIEGO — Star right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres is set to make his first career start at second base in a major league game on Saturday night against the Colorado Rockies. The move marks a significant shift for the 26-year-old, who has spent the majority of his career as an outfielder and has not played an inning at second base since September 2023. This decision also represents the first time Tatis has started at an infield position since 2021, when he briefly played shortstop before transitioning to the outfield. Manager Craig Stammen explained that the decision was part of a long-term plan to provide shortstop Xander Bogaerts with a day off. “We felt like Tatis was the best option at second base and the most fun and exciting option at second base,” Stammen said. “Get that kid smiling a little bit might help, too.” Stammen added that Tatis could also serve as a rotational option for second baseman Jake Cronenworth when needed. Cronenworth started at shortstop in the game, while Nick Castellanos took over in right field. Tatis’ only previous appearance at second base came in the ninth inning on September 6, 2023, during a 5-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Since then, he has focused on his role as an outfielder, where he has become known for his defensive prowess and ability to rob home runs. However, his offensive production has been inconsistent, with a .189 batting average, zero home runs, and five RBIs this season. Despite this, Stammen praised Tatis’ versatility, calling him “an amazing athlete who can do about anything.” The manager emphasized confidence in Tatis’ ability to adapt, stating that the move would “keep his brain active, keep him engaged and having fun.#san_diego_padres #craig_stammen #xander_bogaerts #fernando_tatis_jr #jake_cronenworth
Padres Notebook: Tatis Jr. Starting at Second Base for First Time in MLB Career SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres made a notable adjustment to their lineup on April 10, 2026, as all-star outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. took to the field for the first time in his major league career at second base. The decision, announced by manager Craig Stammen before the third game against the Colorado Rockies, marked a bold shift for Tatis, who had previously only played second base during spring training and in a brief ninth-inning appearance against the Phillies in 2023. This move raised questions among fans and analysts, as Tatis had not yet gained significant experience at the position in live games. Stammen explained that the decision was part of a contingency plan developed during spring training, in case starting second baseman Jake Cronenworth suffered an injury. While the manager acknowledged the practicality of the plan, he emphasized that Tatis had not had the opportunity to fully prepare for the role due to his participation in the World Baseball Classic. “He didn’t do a ton in spring as he was at the WBC, but Fernando loves taking ground balls almost every day,” Stammen said. “He did it all last season.” Despite the lack of formal preparation, Stammen expressed confidence in Tatis’ ability to adapt, though he admitted the transition would not be perfect. “You know, will he be perfect, like the best second baseman of all time? He might be but you never know. You know we’ll see but I’m not that worried about Fernando Tatis Jr. playing second base.” The decision to place Tatis at second base instead of his usual shortstop position sparked further intrigue. Shortstop, where Tatis had played since 2019, had been his primary role until 2021, when he was moved to center field.#world_baseball_classic #san_diego_padres #craig_stammen #fernando_tatis_jr #jake_cronenworth
Fernando Tatis Jr. to start at second base against Rockies Fernando Tatis Jr. made his first career start at second base for the San Diego Padres on Saturday night in a game against the Colorado Rockies. The move, which initially seemed surprising, was part of a strategic decision by manager Craig Stammen to address the team’s need for a reliable backup at the position. Tatis, a two-time Platinum Glove Award-winning right fielder, had previously played shortstop and outfield but had only made one brief appearance at second base in the majors, during a game on September 6, 2023. His start at second base marked a significant shift in his role, though it was not entirely unexpected given his recent training and preparation. Tatis’s transition to the outfield in 2023 was driven by the Padres’ belief that his athleticism and arm strength would translate better to right field, where he has excelled. Since moving to the outfield, he has regularly practiced ground balls in the infield, with a focus on second base. Stammen emphasized that the team had been planning this potential shift for some time, noting that Tatis’s ability to adapt to different positions was a key factor in the decision. “We’ve been planning this for a little while,” Stammen said. “He’s an amazing athlete, can do about anything.” The Padres’ need for a second baseman was underscored by the absence of a clear backup. Sung-Mun Song, the team’s primary second baseman, was sidelined with a left oblique strain and was in the middle of a rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso. Ty France, while capable of playing second base, was not considered a strong option for the position. With Jake Cronenworth set to slide to shortstop for the day, the Padres opted to give Tatis the opportunity to start at second base.#san_diego_padres #craig_stammen #colorado_rockies #fernando_tatis_jr #sung_mun_song
Padres Walk Off Rockies in 12th-Inning Thriller as Bogaerts' Grand Slam Secures Victory The San Diego Padres secured a dramatic 7-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies in a 12-inning marathon at Petco Park on Thursday night, marking their first extra-innings game of the 2026 season and the debut of new manager Craig Stammen. The game, which stretched past midnight, was decided by a walk-off grand slam from shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who launched a 1-0 pitch into the left field bleachers to send the Friar Faithful into a frenzy. The win not only gave the Padres a series lead but also provided a triumphant start for Stammen, who took over the managerial role earlier in the season. The pivotal moment came in the bottom of the 12th inning, when Bogaerts delivered the game-winning drive after a sequence of strategic plays. With runners on first, second, and third, the Rockies had issued intentional walks to Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado to avoid a potential double play. However, the decision backfired when Jake Cronenworth, who had reached third base on a Fernando Tatis Jr. sacrifice bunt, was forced to make a game-saving throw to the plate. Cronenworth fielded a ground ball from Brenton Doyle and quickly threw to Luis Campusano at home plate, tagging out Willi Castro to keep the score tied at 3-3. The Rockies’ relief pitcher, Valente Bellozo, then retired the next batter, Kyle Karros, on a groundout to Bogaerts at shortstop, loading the bases for the Padres’ offense. Bogaerts’ grand slam came on the first pitch of the 12th inning, a 1-0 offering that landed deep in the left field bleachers. The home run not only ended the game but also highlighted Bogaerts’ clutch performance throughout the contest.#san_diego_padres #craig_stammen #petco_park #colorado_rockies #xander_bogaerts
Padres Hit Jackpot With Under-The-Radar Offseason Additions The San Diego Padres secured two unexpected spring additions in Walker Buehler and Ty France, both of whom have earned spots on the team’s Opening Day roster. These signings highlight the strategic acumen of President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller, who has built a reputation for identifying undervalued talent. While Preller’s high-profile trades, such as acquiring Juan Soto and Blake Snell, often dominate headlines, his ability to craft impactful deals with overlooked players has proven equally vital. Buehler and France exemplify this approach, as their contributions this spring have solidified their roles in the Padres’ 2026 season. Walker Buehler, a right-handed pitcher, signed a minor league deal with the Padres after being released by the Boston Red Sox in August 2025. During his time with the Red Sox, Buehler posted a 5.45 ERA, which led to his release. However, he rebounded by joining the Philadelphia Phillies for the remainder of the season, where he delivered a 0.66 ERA across 13.2 innings. Despite his strong performance, Buehler did not make the Phillies’ postseason roster. In free agency, he received big league offers but chose the Padres’ minor league deal instead. This decision paid off, as Buehler has since made a strong case for his place in the Padres’ starting rotation. During spring training, Buehler showcased his potential by striking out 16 batters in 15 innings. His standout performance came in a five-inning shutout against the San Francisco Giants, which bolstered confidence in his ability to contribute immediately. Manager Craig Stammen praised Buehler’s adaptability to the Padres’ philosophy, noting that the pitcher’s quick buy-in and recent success made the team feel “really comfortable” about his inclusion.#san_diego_padres #craig_stammen #walker_buehler #ty_france #a_j_preller
Padres' Walker Buehler Selected for Contract The San Diego Padres have officially selected Walker Buehler’s contract from Triple-A El Paso, marking his return to the major league roster. Manager Craig Stammen confirmed earlier in the week that Buehler had secured a spot on the team’s Opening Day rotation, and the move to activate his contract solidifies his place in the 2026 season’s starting lineup. The 31-year-old right-handed pitcher, who previously played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox, struggled during the 2025 season with a 4.93 earned run average and a 1.52 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) across 126 innings. His final spring training appearance highlighted his struggles, as he allowed seven earned runs in just 3.1 frames. Buehler’s performance last season raised concerns about his ability to contribute effectively in 2026. Despite his experience, his high ERA and WHIP figures suggested inconsistent command and effectiveness on the mound. The Padres’ decision to bring him up reflects confidence in his potential to improve, though the team has also acknowledged the need for him to perform quickly. If Buehler fails to show significant progress, he may face competition for the rotation’s remaining spots once key starters Joe Musgrove (elbow injury) and Griffin Canning (Achilles injury) return from the injured list. The Padres’ move to activate Buehler’s contract comes as part of their broader strategy to address pitching depth and prepare for the upcoming season. While his spring training performance was a cause for concern, the team’s decision to select his contract indicates they believe he can contribute to the rotation.#san_diego_padres #craig_stammen #walker_buehler #triple_a_el_paso #joe_musgrove
Nick Pivetta is, of course, the Padres' opening-day starter The San Diego Padres finalized their 2026 opening-day roster on Monday, becoming the final Major League Baseball team to name its starting pitcher. The decision was unsurprising, as Pivetta had been the team’s most reliable and dominant starter throughout the 2025 season. Manager Craig Stammen confirmed the choice, emphasizing Pivetta’s consistency and performance in the previous year. “He was our best pitcher throughout the whole entire last season, was our No. 1 starter when we took on the Cubs in the Wild Card Series,” Stammen said. “He has pitched great in spring training, and he deserves to get the opening-day nod.” Pivetta, a 33-year-old right-hander, will make his debut as an opening-day starter when the Padres face the Detroit Tigers on April 4. The game will feature a matchup against Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a two-time American League Cy Young Award winner. For Pivetta, the opportunity marks a significant milestone in his career. “You just kind of look at the guys that have gotten opening days in the past that I played with, they’re all great pitchers, great human beings,” Pivetta said. “So it’s just an honor to be able to get that. And hopefully I can just start off with a good start. … It’s always fun to have firsts in the big leagues. This is another one. I’m excited for it.” Pivetta’s 2025 season solidified his status as the Padres’ rotation anchor. He led the team in innings pitched (181⅔) and ranked among the league leaders in several key categories. His 2.87 ERA placed him tied for ninth among starting pitchers, while his 0.98 WHIP (walks per inning) ranked fifth. He also finished 13th in strikeout percentage (26.4%) and 18th in innings pitched.#tarik_skubal #san_diego_padres #nick_pivetta #craig_stammen #michael_king
