Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. Makes First Career Start at 2B

Star outfielder has 2 Gold Gloves as right fielder, but will play infield for first time this season.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player in the act of fielding a ground ball at second base, with the player's body and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors.Tatís' transition to second base showcases the Padres' strategic flexibility and commitment to keeping their star players fresh.San Diego Today

San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen announced that star right fielder Fernando Tatís Jr. will make his first career start at second base during the team's Saturday home game against the Colorado Rockies. Stammen said the move is to help give regular infielders Jake Cronenworth and Xander Bogaerts some rest, and that Tatís was the 'best and most fun option' at the position.

Why it matters

Tatís is one of the most dynamic and talented players in Major League Baseball, having won two Gold Glove awards as a right fielder. His transition to second base, even if just for a game, represents an intriguing strategic move by the Padres as they look to keep their star players fresh over the long season.

The details

Tatís has only one inning of experience at second base, which came during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies in September 2023. The Padres have been planning this position change 'for a little while' according to manager Craig Stammen, who wants to find ways to get regular infielders Jake Cronenworth and Xander Bogaerts some rest in the coming weeks.

  • Tatís will make his first career start at second base on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • He played one inning at second base against the Philadelphia Phillies in September 2023.

The players

Fernando Tatís Jr.

A star right fielder for the San Diego Padres who has won two career Gold Glove awards at that position.

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres, who announced Tatís will start at second base on Saturday.

Jake Cronenworth

A regular infielder for the San Diego Padres who will get some rest with Tatís playing second base.

Xander Bogaerts

A regular infielder for the San Diego Padres who will get some rest with Tatís playing second base.

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What they’re saying

“Trying to find a way to get [Jake Cronenworth] and [Xander Bogaerts] some days off coming up, and felt like Tatís was the best option at second base, and the most fun and exciting option at second base.”

— Craig Stammen, Manager, San Diego Padres

What’s next

First pitch between the Padres and Rockies at Petco Park is set for 8:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 12, 2026, when Tatís will make his first career start at second base.

The takeaway

Tatís' transition to second base, even if just for a single game, showcases the Padres' strategic flexibility and commitment to keeping their star players fresh over the long MLB season. This move could also hint at future positional changes for the versatile Tatís, who has already proven himself as an elite defensive outfielder.