Dodgers' Dave Roberts 'Surprised' Padres Hired No-Experience Manager

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts comments on the Padres' unconventional managerial hire.

Feb. 13, 2026 at 1:31pm

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed surprise that the rival San Diego Padres hired Craig Stammen, a former Padres pitcher with no previous coaching experience, to be their new manager. Roberts acknowledged that Stammen's lack of managerial experience is unusual, but also said he thought it was a 'great hire' given Stammen's familiarity with the Padres organization.

Why it matters

The Dodgers and Padres have developed an intense rivalry in recent years as both teams have emerged as National League powerhouses. The managerial change in San Diego could impact the dynamic of this rivalry, as the Padres will now be led by a first-time manager against the experienced Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts.

The details

After former Padres manager Mike Shildt's sudden retirement, the team hired Craig Stammen, a long-time Padres pitcher, to take over as manager. Stammen had been working in the Padres' coaching and baseball operations departments since 2024, but had no prior managerial experience. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that Stammen's appointment was 'surprising' given his lack of coaching experience, though Roberts also said he thought it was a 'great hire' due to Stammen's familiarity with the organization.

  • The Dodgers and Padres faced off multiple times last season, with their rivalry featuring tense moments like bench-clearing brawls.
  • Former Padres manager Mike Shildt retired suddenly, leading to the team's unconventional search for a new manager.

The players

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that has developed a fierce rivalry with the San Diego Padres in recent years.

Craig Stammen

A former pitcher for the Padres who was hired as the team's new manager, despite having no prior coaching experience.

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What they’re saying

“I was surprised in the sense of, you know, he hasn't coached before.”

— Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers and Padres are set to face off again next season, with the new Padres manager Craig Stammen leading the team against the experienced Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts.

The takeaway

The Padres' unconventional decision to hire a manager with no prior coaching experience has caught the attention of their division rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move could add an interesting new dynamic to the heated Dodgers-Padres rivalry as the two teams battle for supremacy in the National League.