Padres Manager Stammen Leans Into Learning Curve After Pitching Decisions

Second baseman Jake Cronenworth credits new ready position with excellent start on defense

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:30pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Padres baseball game, with overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and gold representing the players, field, and action on the field.Padres manager Stammen navigates the challenges of in-game decision-making, while Cronenworth's defensive adjustments pay off with highlight-reel plays.San Diego Today

Rookie Padres manager Craig Stammen is navigating the challenges of in-game pitching decisions, acknowledging his tendency to want to leave pitchers in the game longer than he should. Stammen is keeping a journal to reflect on his decision-making process and learn from his experiences. Meanwhile, Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth has made adjustments to his defensive positioning that have led to several impressive plays early in the season.

Why it matters

As a first-time manager, Stammen's ability to make effective pitching changes will be crucial to the Padres' success. Cronenworth's defensive improvements could also have a significant impact, as the team looks to build on last season's 90-win campaign despite a slow start at the plate.

The details

In the Padres' 5-2 loss to the Red Sox, Stammen pulled starter Michael King after 5⅔ innings and 81 pitches, bringing in lefty Wandy Peralta who promptly gave up a three-run home run. Stammen acknowledged his tendency to want to leave pitchers in the game longer, a challenge he is working to overcome through self-reflection and discussions with his coaching staff. Cronenworth, meanwhile, has made an adjustment to his defensive ready position, standing more upright with a small hop before the pitch, which he believes has improved his first step and explosiveness.

  • On April 4, 2026, the Padres lost 5-2 to the Red Sox.
  • Cronenworth made the defensive adjustment to his ready position during the offseason while working with new infield coach Ryan Goins.

The players

Craig Stammen

The rookie manager of the San Diego Padres, who is navigating the challenges of in-game pitching decisions in his first season.

Jake Cronenworth

The Padres' starting second baseman, who has made an adjustment to his defensive ready position that has led to several impressive plays early in the season.

Michael King

The Padres' starting pitcher who was pulled by Stammen in the sixth inning of the April 4 game against the Red Sox.

Wandy Peralta

The Padres' relief pitcher who gave up a three-run home run after being brought in to replace King.

Ryan Goins

The Padres' new infield coach, who introduced the defensive ready position adjustment to Cronenworth during the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“How I personally feel is 'Leave me out there. Let me figure this out on my own. I got this. I can do it.' And as a manager, you've just got to be, you know, the other side of the coin of 'No. I want you to have success. I think you'll have better success if I take you out of the game and have somebody else go in.'”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

“Guys are hitting the ball hard. It just seems like it's going right at guys right now, whether it's those one hop line drives on the infield or line drives right at the outfielders. Making really good swing decisions. Got a good plan. It's just not going for us right now.”

— Jake Cronenworth, Padres Second Baseman

“I threw a couple bad pitches that I wish I executed a little better, and I ... could have gone deeper in the game and (allowed) less runs.”

— Michael King, Padres Pitcher

“I mean, it was just incredible. I thought it was for sure just a single up the middle. And then Jake came out of nowhere and made it a double play.”

— Michael King, Padres Pitcher

“It's something I saw with all of the guys. They were just very stuck, I guess you would say. They were all, like, just super wide and just kind of bent down. I've tried to get them more engaged, where they're walking around more. The biggest thing we talked about was we have to have downward momentum as the ball is being hit. You don't want it too early. Right when the ball is being hit, you should be in the air, so that once the ball is actually put into play and it's heading in your direction, you're springing off the ground.”

— Ryan Goins, Padres Infield Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.