Padres Star Tatis to Start at Second Base

Platinum Glove outfielder shifts to infield for rest day rotation

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:28am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player in mid-motion at second base, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Padres' team colors.Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. shifts to second base, showcasing his versatility and the team's commitment to managing veteran workloads.San Diego Today

San Diego Padres star outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. will make his first career MLB start at second base on Saturday night as the team continues to give periodic rest days to their veteran position players.

Why it matters

Tatis is one of the most dynamic young players in baseball, known for his power, speed, and highlight-reel defensive plays in right field. Shifting him to second base, a less demanding defensive position, will allow the Padres to keep his bat in the lineup while managing his workload over the long season.

The details

Tatis, the Padres' 24-year-old Platinum Glove-winning right fielder, will start at second base for the first time in his MLB career on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The move is part of the Padres' strategy to periodically rest their veteran position players throughout the season, with Tatis sliding over from the outfield to the infield for this particular game.

  • Tatis will make his first career MLB start at second base on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Fernando Tatis Jr.

The 24-year-old Platinum Glove-winning right fielder for the San Diego Padres, known as one of the most exciting young players in baseball.

San Diego Padres

The professional baseball team based in San Diego, California that plays in the National League West division of Major League Baseball.

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The takeaway

Tatis' versatility and the Padres' commitment to managing their veteran players' workload will allow the team to keep their superstar in the lineup while giving him a break from the demands of playing right field.