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
