Royals Face Padres in Spring Training Matchup

Kansas City looks to bounce back after 1-8 start to Cactus League play

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:37am

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The Kansas City Royals will take on the San Diego Padres in a spring training game at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona. The Royals, who are 1-8 in Cactus League play so far, will send left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic to the mound, along with several other pitchers including Steven Cruz, Lucas Erceg, Nick Mears, Eli Morgan, and Hector Neris. Fans can watch the Padres feed of the game on MLB Network and Royals.TV.

Why it matters

The Royals are looking to right the ship after a rough start to spring training, with players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino away for the World Baseball Classic. This game against the Padres provides an opportunity for the Royals to get back on track before the regular season begins.

The details

The Royals have struggled to a 1-8 record in Cactus League play so far, with the team's performance suffering from the absence of key players like Witt and Pasquantino who are participating in the World Baseball Classic. Tonight's game against the Padres will feature Kris Bubic on the mound for the Royals, along with several other pitchers including Cruz, Erceg, Mears, Morgan, and Neris.

  • The game is taking place on March 13, 2026 at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona.

The players

Kris Bubic

Left-handed pitcher for the Kansas City Royals.

Bobby Witt Jr.

Infielder for the Kansas City Royals who is currently participating in the World Baseball Classic.

Vinnie Pasquantino

Infielder for the Kansas City Royals who is currently participating in the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“The Royals look to right the spring ship against the Padres on the road.”

— Jacob Milham, Author

The takeaway

The Royals are hoping to use this game against the Padres as an opportunity to get back on track after a rough start to spring training, especially with key players like Witt and Pasquantino away for the World Baseball Classic.