Padres' Tatis Jr. Embraces Surprise Start at Second Base

Star player says he's ready to play 'wherever' to help the team.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:28am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Fernando Tatis Jr. playing second base for the San Diego Padres, with the baseball diamond and players' uniforms broken down into overlapping planes of vibrant colors.Tatis' positional flexibility adds a new dimension to the Padres' dynamic lineup.San Diego Today

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. has revealed his reaction to the team's decision to start him at second base for the first time in Saturday's game against the Colorado Rockies. Tatis said the team has been discussing the position change for some time, and he's ready to play wherever the team needs him to be a 'good baseball player'.

Why it matters

Tatis is one of the most dynamic players in baseball, primarily playing shortstop and outfield. His willingness to shift to second base shows his team-first mentality and adaptability, which could be crucial for the Padres as they look to make a deep playoff run.

The details

Padres manager Craig Stammen told Tatis that the team sees him as a 'really good athlete' who can be 'moved around' defensively. With regular shortstop Xander Bogaerts getting a routine day off, Tatis shifted to second base, allowing Jake Cronenworth to move to shortstop.

  • The Padres and Tatis have been discussing the position change for 'a couple of weeks back'.
  • Tatis made his first career start at second base on Saturday, April 11, 2026, against the Colorado Rockies.

The players

Fernando Tatis Jr.

A 27-year-old star player for the San Diego Padres who primarily plays shortstop and outfield, but is now embracing a shift to second base to help the team.

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres who told Tatis that the team sees him as a 'really good athlete' who can be 'moved around' defensively.

Xander Bogaerts

The Padres' regular shortstop who was given a routine day off on the day Tatis started at second base.

Jake Cronenworth

The Padres player who shifted from second base to shortstop to accommodate Tatis' move to second base.

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What they’re saying

“We have been talking about it. I mean, there were talks, here and there in the offseason, but from talking to actually making it happen. Like, a couple of weeks back, we were talking about it, and we just find it was the best way to go for the team right now.”

— Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres Player

“I can play wherever. I'm just here to play baseball and be a good baseball player.”

— Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres Player

“The manager said, you know, just be ready here and there and told me, I'm a really good athlete on the field, especially defensively, and I'm a piece that can be moved around.”

— Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres Player

What’s next

It remains to be seen how many games Tatis will play at second base as the Padres continue their series against the Rockies.

The takeaway

Tatis' willingness to shift positions showcases his team-first mentality and versatility as an elite athlete, which could be a valuable asset for the Padres as they look to make a deep playoff run.