Giants' Matt Chapman appears to curse out Casey Schmitt after error

Frustration boils over for Giants as defensive miscues lead to loss against Padres

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:09am

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In a tense moment during the Giants' 7-1 loss to the Padres, veteran third baseman Matt Chapman was caught on camera seemingly cursing out teammate Casey Schmitt after an error at first base. The incident occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning, with Chapman's off-balance throw to Schmitt leading to an error that accounted for two Padres runs.

Why it matters

The exchange between Chapman and Schmitt highlights the growing frustrations within the Giants organization as the team struggles early in the 2026 season. With high expectations coming into the year, the Giants have already faced adversity, including a home sweep at the hands of the Yankees and now a loss to their division rival Padres.

The details

With two outs and two runners on base in the fifth inning, Xander Bogaerts hit a chopper to Chapman, who had to make a rushed throw to first base. Schmitt, who was making just his 18th career start at first, was unable to corral the high throw, leading to an error and two Padres runs. During the ensuing mound visit, Chapman appeared to tell Schmitt to 'catch the f---ing ball.' After the game, both players addressed the incident, with Chapman saying 'we're all brothers here' and Schmitt acknowledging he should have made the play.

  • In the bottom of the fifth inning, with two outs and two runners on base.
  • The Giants lost to the Padres by a score of 7-1 on April 2, 2026.

The players

Matt Chapman

A veteran third baseman for the San Francisco Giants who was visibly frustrated after an error by teammate Casey Schmitt.

Casey Schmitt

A utility infielder for the San Francisco Giants who was playing first base due to an injury to Rafael Devers, and was unable to make a play on a high throw from Chapman, leading to an error.

Xander Bogaerts

A batter for the San Diego Padres who hit the chopper that led to the error by Chapman and Schmitt.

Nick Pivetta

The starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres, who earned the win in the 7-1 victory over the Giants.

Rafael Devers

The Giants' regular first baseman, who was limited to designated hitter duties due to a hamstring injury.

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What they’re saying

“We're all brothers here. It's the heat of the moment. I already talked to Casey. It's all good.”

— Matt Chapman, Giants third baseman

“We're trying to win games. I mean, obviously I'm not mad about it or anything. That's baseball. I mean, those are things I should have done and didn't.”

— Casey Schmitt, Giants utility infielder

What’s next

The Giants will look to bounce back in their next game against the Padres, as they try to overcome the early-season struggles that have plagued the team. Schmitt's time at first base may be short-lived, as the organization is expected to call up top prospect Bryce Eldridge from Triple-A to take over the position.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the mounting pressure and frustration within the Giants organization as they try to turn around their slow start to the 2026 season. While tensions boiled over between Chapman and Schmitt, the players were quick to downplay the exchange, emphasizing their shared goal of winning games. However, the Giants will need to find a way to channel that intensity in a more productive manner if they hope to compete in the NL West.