Padres Shuffle Lineup Again, Cronenworth Returns to Leadoff

Padres look to spark offense as they open series against Rockies with bullpen game

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:25pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, conveying the disjointed nature of the Padres' lineup.The Padres' search for a reliable leadoff hitter exposes the fragmented nature of their early-season lineup.San Diego Today

The San Diego Padres will use their 13th different lineup in 13 games as they open a series against the Colorado Rockies, who will start with an opener. Left-handed hitter Jake Cronenworth is back atop the order, while Ramón Laureano sits after a tough road trip. The Padres' leadoff hitters have struggled so far this season, and they hope Cronenworth's patient approach can help turn things around.

Why it matters

The Padres' inability to get production from the leadoff spot has been a major issue early in the season, with their .369 OPS out of the top of the order being the worst in the majors. Finding a reliable leadoff hitter is crucial to setting the table for the heart of their lineup, which includes stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado.

The details

Padres manager Craig Stammen cited Cronenworth's ability to work counts, foul off pitches, and provide a good scouting report to the dugout as reasons for putting him back atop the order. Laureano had been the leadoff hitter the last four games but struggled, hitting .158/.158/.211 in 19 plate appearances. Cronenworth hasn't hit leadoff since late March but is coming off a 3-for-9 performance with two walks in Pittsburgh.

  • The Padres' first pitch against the Rockies is at 6:40 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • Cronenworth last hit leadoff from March 28-31.

The players

Jake Cronenworth

A left-handed hitting infielder for the San Diego Padres who the team is hoping can provide a spark at the top of the order.

Ramón Laureano

An outfielder for the San Diego Padres who had been the team's leadoff hitter in the last four games but struggled, hitting .158/.158/.211.

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres, who explained the team's reasoning for putting Cronenworth back in the leadoff spot.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

The star shortstop for the San Diego Padres, who has hit leadoff at times this season but has struggled, batting .143/.182/.190 in 22 plate appearances.

Jimmy Herget

The right-handed pitcher who will serve as the opener for the Colorado Rockies in their game against the Padres.

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What they’re saying

“He does a really good job working the working the opposing pitcher, right from the start, sees a lot of pitches, fouls a lot of pitches off. Has the ability to come back to dugout and give a good report on what the guy's got, what the pitches are looking like.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

What’s next

The Padres will look to Cronenworth to help spark their struggling offense as they open a series against the Rockies, who will use an opener in Thursday's game.

The takeaway

The Padres' inability to find a consistent leadoff hitter has been a major issue early in the season, and they are hoping Cronenworth's patient approach can help turn things around at the top of the order.