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' 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' 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
