#san_diego_padres

Padres Prospect Pleads Guilty to Transporting Undocumented Immigrants Humberto Cruz, a 19-year-old minor-league pitcher for the San Diego Padres, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of receiving money in exchange for transporting undocumented immigrants within the United States. The case, reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune, marks a significant setback for the Padres’ promising prospect, who was previously ranked as the team’s fifth-best player entering the 2024 season. Cruz’s plea agreement includes a statement acknowledging the “virtual certainty” of his deportation as a non-U.S. citizen, a consequence of his legal troubles. The Padres confirmed that Cruz has lost his work visa, which was valid for 10 years, though he may reapply after a five-year waiting period. The team placed him on the restricted list on March 13, effectively barring him from participating in team activities. Cruz, who signed with the Padres for $750,000 in February 2024 out of Mexico, has faced additional challenges, including undergoing Tommy John surgery and posting a 7.20 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 40 innings during his limited time in the minors. Cruz’s legal troubles began on October 28, 2024, when Border Patrol agents in Arizona stopped his vehicle near the U.S.-Mexico border. The agents suspected he was transporting undocumented immigrants after noticing his car initially heading toward the border with only the driver and later returning with two additional passengers. Upon inspection, the two passengers were identified as Mexican nationals without proper documentation. One of the men had been recently removed from the U.S. through an Arizona border crossing by immigration officials just four days prior, according to court documents.#san_diego_padres #border_patrol #tommy_john_surgery #humberto_cruz #san_diego_union_tribune

Top Padres Prospect Self-Deported to Mexico After Plea Related to Human Smuggling Humberto Cruz, one of the San Diego Padres’ top pitching prospects, pleaded guilty in November to a federal misdemeanor related to a human smuggling operation in southern Arizona, according to court documents reviewed by The Athletic. The plea, entered four months before Cruz was placed on the minor-league restricted list, resolved the criminal case against him and, under the terms of the agreement, made his removal from the United States all but certain. Sources confirmed that Cruz, 19, self-deported to his native Mexico and that the defendant in the federal case—Humberto Federico Cruz-Guajardo—is the right-handed pitcher the Padres signed out of Monterrey, Mexico, in February 2024 for a $750,000 bonus. Cruz, who had already been expected to miss the 2026 season after undergoing elbow surgery in September, remains ranked among the organization’s top five prospects by multiple publications. Cruz’s attorneys in the federal case and his agents at the Ballengee Group declined comment. Cruz, who pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to improper entry, issued a statement through the Padres, who otherwise declined comment: “To my teammates, the organization, our fans, and my family, I want to express my sincere regret for a recent lapse in judgment that has caused disappointment to many people I deeply respect. I understand that my actions have fallen short of the standards expected of me as a professional and as a representative of this organization. I take responsibility for my conduct and recognize the impact it has had on my teammates, the club, and those who support us.#san_diego_padres #monterrey_mexico #humberto_cruz #ballengee_group #us_distict_court_district_of_arizona

Padres Top Pitching Prospect Self-Deports to Mexico After Pleading Guilty to Human Smuggling Charge Humberto Cruz, a 19-year-old pitching prospect for the San Diego Padres, reportedly self-deported to Mexico after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to human smuggling in Arizona. According to reports, Cruz, who was in the U.S. on a work visa, admitted to picking up two undocumented immigrants in Arizona for $1,000 each. The case unfolded when agents noticed Cruz driving north on State Route 85 in Lukeville, Arizona, approximately an hour after initially spotting him driving south. This discrepancy raised suspicions that Cruz had picked up the individuals at the Lukeville Port of Entry, leading to his arrest. Cruz pleaded guilty to the charge of receiving money to transport noncitizens within the United States in November, as part of a plea deal that resulted in prosecutors dismissing a felony charge of transporting illegal aliens for profit. Under the agreement, Cruz was sentenced to 30 days in prison with credit for time served. The plea deal also included a stipulation that Cruz understood his deportation would be “practically inevitable and a virtual certainty.” The Padres confirmed that Cruz would likely lose his work visa for 10 years, though he could reapply after five years if he demonstrated good behavior. The Padres, who signed Cruz out of Monterrey, Mexico, for $750,000 in February 2024, placed him on the restricted list in March following the incident. Cruz underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2024 and had been rehabbing at the team’s spring training facility in Arizona in late October 2024 when he was arrested. In 14 starts in both rookie and A-ball leagues, Cruz pitched to a 7.58 ERA. MLB.#arizona #san_diego_padres #tommy_john_surgery #monterrey_mexico #humberto_cruz

Mason Miller's Historic Season: Chasing Four Reliever Records with the Padres The San Diego Padres made a blockbuster trade at last year’s trade deadline, acquiring Mason Miller from the Oakland Athletics in a deal that reshaped their bullpen. The move, which came with a significant price tag, has paid dividends so far, as Miller has emerged as one of the most dominant relievers in Major League Baseball. This season, he’s not only solidified his role as the Padres’ closer but also positioned himself to challenge for multiple records in the relief category. ESPN analyst David Schoenfield recently highlighted eight potential records Miller could pursue, though only four are realistically within reach. Schoenfield’s analysis focused on the eight categories Miller could target, including lowest batting average allowed, strikeout rate, strikeouts in a season, lowest OPS allowed, lowest ERA, most saves, most saves without blown, and highest WAR. Of these, Miller has a clear path to breaking the records for lowest batting average allowed, strikeout rate, lowest OPS allowed, and most saves without blown. However, the other four records—such as the all-time save record, strikeouts in a season, lowest ERA, and highest WAR—are deemed out of reach due to factors like innings limits and the nature of relief pitching. Miller’s performance this season has already drawn comparisons to some of the greatest relievers in history. He’s allowed batters to hit .121 against him, a figure that sits just 0.004 away from Kirby Yates’ 2024 record of .113. If Miller maintains his current pace, he could surpass Yates’ mark, especially if he continues to dominate with his high-velocity fastball and sharp breaking balls. His strikeout rate of 55.#san_diego_padres #aroldis_chapman #mason_miller #david_schoenfield #kirby_yates

Padres Lineup vs Rockies: Miguel Andujar Starting, Nick Castellanos Out The San Diego Padres are set to face the Colorado Rockies for the second time in two weeks, following a four-game sweep of the Rockies at Petco Park earlier in April. The matchup at Coors Field is expected to be high-scoring, as is typical for games at the altitude-adjusted ballpark. The Padres, currently sitting at 15-7, have won five consecutive series and 13 of their last 15 games, while the Rockies, at 9-14, have lost eight of their last 11 contests but split a recent four-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The pitching matchup for Tuesday’s game features right-handed starter Randy Vásquez for the Padres. Vásquez, coming off his worst start of the season against the Seattle Mariners, lasted just four innings, allowing four earned runs on five hits and four walks. This performance raised his season ERA from 1.02 to 2.49. Vásquez previously faced the Rockies on April 9, pitching 5.2 innings while allowing one run and striking out eight. His career record at Coors Field includes three starts with a 4.91 ERA and 20 hits allowed over 14.2 innings. For the Rockies, right-handed reliever Jimmy Herget is scheduled to open the game, marking his second use as an opener this season against the Padres. Herget has pitched 11 innings over 10 appearances this year, posting a 1.64 ERA. He was the opener for the Rockies against the Padres on April 9, then pitched in relief on April 11, and served as the surprise opener on April 12 when Kyle Freeland was scratched. Herget is likely to be followed by right-hander Chase Dollander, who has a 3.32 ERA across 19 innings this season. Dollander pitched 4.#san_diego_padres #miguel_andujar #colorado_rockies #randy_vasquez #jimmy_herget

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' Xander Bogaerts Slugs Walk-Off Grand Slam Xander Bogaerts delivered a game-winning grand slam in the 12th inning to lead the San Diego Padres to a 7-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday. The veteran shortstop, who had already contributed two stolen bases and a run scored in the contest, came to the plate with the bases loaded in a 3-3 tie. His powerful swing sent the ball soaring to left field, clearing the bases and securing the win for the Padres. The walk-off home run marked a pivotal moment in the extra-innings matchup, which stretched beyond the standard nine innings. Bogaerts’ performance in the game was a standout moment for his fantasy value, as he finished with two hits, a grand slam, an additional run scored, and two stolen bases. His efforts helped the Padres overcome a tight game that required an extra frame to decide. The victory extended San Diego’s winning streak and highlighted Bogaerts’ ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. The walk-off grand slam also underscored his role as a clutch performer, capable of shifting the momentum of a game with a single swing. The game’s context was shaped by the Padres’ recent struggles to find consistency in their lineup. Bogaerts, who had started the season with a .308 OPS over his first eight games, had faced challenges in maintaining his offensive production. However, his recent performance has shown significant improvement. In the past five contests, he has gone 9-for-22 with two home runs, five RBIs, and two stolen bases, demonstrating his ability to adapt and contribute at a high level. The walk-off grand slam against the Rockies was a testament to his resurgence and his importance to the Padres’ offensive strategy. The Rockies, meanwhile, faced setbacks in their bid to secure the win.#san_diego_padres #colorado_rockies #xander_bogaerts #grand_slam #12th_inning

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

Xander Bogaerts hits grand slam in 12th for Padres' first walk-off win SAN DIEGO -- Xander Bogaerts delivered a walk-off grand slam in the 12th inning, propelling the San Diego Padres to a 7-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday night at Petco Park. The win marked the Padres’ first walk-off triumph in nearly five years, ending a prolonged stretch of high-stakes games that had tested the team’s resilience. Bogaerts’ dramatic home run not only secured the win but also cemented his status as a clutch performer for the franchise, adding to his growing legacy as a key contributor to the team’s success. The game, which stretched into the 12th inning, was the longest at Petco Park since 2019, underscoring the intensity of the matchup. Bogaerts’ grand slam came after a strategic decision by the Rockies to walk Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado, opting to face the right-handed hitter with the bases loaded. The move was intended to avoid a potential threat, but it backfired spectacularly. Bogaerts, known for his power and ability to capitalize on high-pressure situations, turned on a fastball from Valente Bellozo, sending the ball soaring into the left-field seats. The blast not only ended the game but also marked the first walk-off grand slam in Padres history since Manny Machado’s iconic home run in August 2020, which had launched the “Slam Diego” moniker into the mainstream. The dramatic finish was preceded by a series of pivotal plays that kept the game alive. In the top of the 12th, Jake Cronenworth made a critical defensive stop to thwart a potential go-ahead run. The play began with a sharp ground ball hit by the Rockies’ Willi Castro, which Cronenworth fielded backhanded.#manny_machado #san_diego_padres #petco_park #colorado_rockies #xander_bogaerts

Padres vs Pirates Prediction, Pick, MLB Odds for Monday, April 6 The Pittsburgh Pirates host the San Diego Padres on April 6, 2026, in a matchup set for 6:40 p.m. EDT at PNC Park. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet PT, with the Pirates favored at -135 on the moneyline and -1.5 on the run line. The Padres are listed at +111 on the moneyline and +1.5 on the run line, with the total set at 8.5 runs. The Pirates are entering the game with a strong 6-3 record, while the Padres aim to rebound from a 4-5 start to the season. Bubba Chandler will start for Pittsburgh in his second appearance of the year, following an impressive debut where he pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the Reds, allowing no hits or runs and posting a 0.00 ERA. The right-hander has yet to allow a run in his first two starts, with a 0.00 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 12 innings. San Diego will counter with German Marquez, who is coming off a rough first start. The right-hander allowed four earned runs on eight hits over three innings against the Giants, raising his ERA to 12.00. Opponents have hit .471 against him through his first start, and Marquez is expected to face a tough test against the Pirates’ lineup. Both teams feature key bats capable of shifting the game, including Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado for the Padres. The Pirates’ lineup includes sluggers like Josh Bell and Ke’Bryan Hayes, who have shown power potential. The game’s outcome could hinge on how each team’s starting pitcher performs, as well as the effectiveness of their bullpen. The "Revenge Spot Favorites" system in MLB moneyline betting highlights teams that recently lost to the same opponent by a narrow margin. This system favors teams with winning records, solid average margins of victory, and moderate favorability in the market.#san_diego_padres #pittsburgh_pirates #pnc_park #bubba_chandler #german_marquez

Padres' offense waking up just in time as torrid Pirates await The San Diego Padres are showing signs of improvement after a slow start to the 2026 season as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Pirates in a crucial three-game series. The Padres, who had struggled with an anemic offense entering the weekend, managed to secure their first series win of the year by defeating the Boston Red Sox in two consecutive games, including an 8-6 victory on Sunday. This marked a significant turnaround for the team, which had previously posted a major-league-worst .190 batting average and .553 OPS. The offensive resurgence was led by key players such as Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Jackson Merrill, who combined for eight of the Padres' 12 hits in the Sunday game. Machado hit his first home run of the season, helping the Padres score the most runs they had in a game that year. This was only the second time in nine games that San Diego managed to score more than three runs, signaling a potential turning point in their season. The Padres' offensive surge will be tested on Monday as they take on the Pirates, who have been dominant in recent weeks. The Pirates, riding a five-game winning streak, have shown explosive power at the plate, fueled by offseason acquisitions like Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn, as well as the strong performance of Oneil Cruz. The team has already hit 12 home runs in nine games, a stark contrast to their previous season. The Pirates' offensive firepower is further bolstered by the contributions of players like Nick Yorke, who stepped in after infielder Jared Triolo was placed on the 10-day injured list. Yorke delivered a walk-off hit in Saturday's game against the Orioles and added another hit on Sunday.#manny_machado #san_diego_padres #pittsburgh_pirates #jackson_merrill #xander_bogaerts

Mets’ Sean Manaea Emerges As Highest Paid Reliever With $25 Million Deal Amid Role Shift The New York Mets have embraced a modern pitching strategy, and Sean Manaea is now at the heart of that approach. His $25 million contract has positioned him as the highest-paid reliever in Major League Baseball, a testament to his late-career transformation and the league’s increasing focus on high-leverage bullpen arms. Manaea’s new role reflects both his personal development and the evolving demands of the game. Entering the 2026 season, Manaea is coming off one of his most effective stretches, a result of adjustments made during his time with the Mets. Originally signed as rotational depth, the left-handed pitcher found new success when deployed in shorter, more aggressive outings. The Mets capitalized on his flexibility, using him in hybrid roles that blurred the lines between starter and reliever. This adaptability has become a key factor in his value. In 2025, Manaea pitched over 140 innings while maintaining a sub-3.50 ERA. His strikeout rate exceeded 9.5 per nine innings, driven by improved command of his sweeper and elevated fastball. His ability to miss bats grew, while his walk rate remained steady. Opposing hitters struggled to square up his pitches, as evidenced by a WHIP around 1.20 and strong hard-hit suppression metrics. These numbers highlight his effectiveness in critical situations. His role has also shifted significantly. No longer confined to the rotation, Manaea was frequently used in high-leverage scenarios, including middle-inning appearances against the top of opposing lineups. This increased usage elevated his overall value, particularly for a Mets team that faced bullpen inconsistency throughout the season.#new_york_mets #san_diego_padres #major_league_baseball #san_francisco_giants #sean_manea

Padres Place Yu Darvish On Restricted List The San Diego Padres officially announced their Opening Day roster on Wednesday, confirming several roster decisions that had been speculated earlier in the season. The most significant move involves placing starting pitcher Yu Darvish on the restricted list, a decision first reported by ESPN’s Alden González. This placement marks a shift from the initial expectation that Darvish would spend the 2026 season on the 60-day injured list following elbow surgery in November. Darvish, who will not pitch in 2026, has been placed on the restricted list, a designation used for players under contract who are unavailable to play due to various reasons. While the restricted list is often associated with suspensions, it is also used for players temporarily away from the team for personal matters. Unlike the injured list, players on the restricted list do not count against a team’s 40-man roster, and teams are not obligated to pay their salaries during this period. However, it remains unclear whether the Padres will continue to pay Darvish any portion of his $15 million salary. The decision appears to be part of ongoing negotiations between the Padres, Darvish’s camp, and the MLB Players Association to terminate the remaining three years of his contract, which includes $43 million in guaranteed payments through 2028. Darvish had previously expressed interest in retiring but confirmed in January that discussions about ending his contract were underway. The Padres are likely seeking a buyout or deferral to reduce payroll and luxury tax liabilities, with free-agent pitcher Lucas Giolito, still unsigned, emerging as a potential target for teams needing rotation depth. This is not the first time Darvish has been placed on the restricted list.#san_diego_padres #yu_darvish #mlb_players_association #joel_wolfe #lucas_giolito

Padres GM Says Yu Darvish Will Rehab at Own Pace Yu Darvish is starting the 2026 season on the San Diego Padres’ restricted list as the veteran right-hander prioritizes a gradual recovery from elbow surgery while evaluating his future with the team, according to general manager A.J. Preller. The decision, which places Darvish on a modified schedule, reflects his desire to balance his health and family commitments with the demands of professional baseball. Preller emphasized that Darvish’s approach benefits both the team and its fans, though it does not guarantee additional financial flexibility for acquiring new pitching talent. Preller praised Darvish’s choice, calling him a “very special person” and highlighting his commitment to the organization’s interests. The 39-year-old Japanese star, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015, has opted to avoid the typical rehabilitation grind in San Diego, instead focusing on spending time with his family. While he is not ready to retire, Darvish remains uncertain about whether he can return to his previous level of performance after a second major elbow surgery. Preller noted that Darvish has been transparent about his situation since the offseason, acknowledging that his current physical condition does not align with his desired level of play. The Padres’ decision to place Darvish on the restricted list was planned during the offseason, with discussions finalized in recent weeks involving the commissioner’s office and the players’ union. As part of the arrangement, Darvish will not receive his salary while on the list—a condition few major leaguers would accept voluntarily.#san_diego_padres #aj_preller #tommy_john_surgery #nick_pivetta #yu_darvish

Detroit Tigers Announce TV Channels for 2026 Season The Detroit Tigers have released details about the television channels where fans can watch their games during the 2026 season. The information was shared by sideline reporter Daniella Bruce, who provided specifics about the distribution agreements for the new Detroit SportsNet network. The announcement comes just over 24 hours before the team’s regular season opener against the San Diego Padres. Comcast/Xfinity subscribers will be able to stream the Tigers on channel 1253. DirecTV users can access the games on channel 663-3 or via the DirecTV stream 663. U-verse customers will find the Tigers on channel 1739. For Charter/Spectrum viewers, the available channels vary by location. In areas such as Alpena, Detroit, Duluth-Superior, Flint-Saginaw, Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Traverse City, the Tigers will be broadcast on channel 213. Livonia residents can tune in to channel 291, while viewers in Ft. Wayne, Green Bay-Appleton, and Toledo will have access to channel 307 or 1307. Spectrum App users in certain regions can watch the games on channel 436. Bruce noted that additional information about other providers will be released on Thursday morning. The first game of the season is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. on Thursday, when the Tigers face the Padres in San Diego. The announcement was accompanied by other updates, including details about new food items for the season and a preview of the team’s redesigned uniforms and premium seating options. However, the primary focus of the article remains on the television distribution plan, which aims to ensure fans across Metro Detroit can follow the team’s progress throughout the 2026 season.#detroit_tigers #san_diego_padres #detroit_sportsnet #daniella_bruce #comcast_xfinity

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

Ty France, Walker Buehler on 2026 Padres Roster The San Diego Padres have finalized key additions to their 2026 roster, with Ty France and Walker Buehler securing spots on the major league team. Both players were notified of their inclusion ahead of potential opt-outs from their minor league contracts, with France set to serve as an infield backup and Buehler expected to contribute to the season-opening rotation. The decisions come as the Padres prepare for their opening series against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park. Buehler, a former All-Star pitcher, will be part of the rotation despite a decline in performance since his 2022 Tommy John surgery. Over the past two seasons, he posted a 4.93 ERA across stints with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. However, the Padres believe he can regain his former effectiveness by refining his approach, including adjusting his pitch mix to reduce reliance on fastballs. Manager Craig Stammen highlighted Buehler’s commitment to the team’s philosophy, noting that his recent success in spring training has bolstered confidence in his ability to contribute. France, a 2025 American League Gold Glove Award winner, will provide defensive flexibility at multiple infield positions. His strong spring performance, including a .318 batting average and a .912 OPS, has solidified his role as a backup. The Padres, who already have right-handed corner bats in Miguel Andujar and Nick Castellanos, see France’s defensive skills as a key asset. Stammen emphasized France’s value as a reliable defensive replacement and his potential to pinch-hit in high-leverage situations. The Padres’ rotation will include Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Randy Vásquez, with German Márquez as the likely fourth starter.#san_diego_padres #miguel_andujar #walker_buehler #ty_france #nick_castellanos

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