Padres Pregame: Tatis Jr. Back in Right Field, 17th Different Lineup in 17 Games

Padres riding a five-game winning streak, their longest since last August

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting a baseball game or match, with players and field elements broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes, conveying the fluid nature of the Padres' lineup and Tatis Jr.'s positional flexibility.A cubist interpretation of the Padres' lineup changes and Tatis Jr.'s versatility captures the dynamic nature of the team's season so far.San Diego Today

The San Diego Padres will host the Seattle Mariners in the first game of a new series, with Fernando Tatis Jr. returning to right field after playing back-to-back games at second base over the weekend. The Padres have used 17 different lineups in 17 games this season, as they look to extend their current five-game winning streak, their longest since last August.

Why it matters

The Padres' frequent lineup changes and Tatis Jr.'s positional flexibility demonstrate the team's efforts to keep their star players fresh and optimize the lineup based on matchups. The Padres' recent hot streak has helped them climb up the NL West standings, and a continued strong performance against the Mariners could further solidify their position in the division.

The details

Tatis Jr. will bat second between new leadoff hitter Ramón Laureano and center fielder Jackson Merrill. Manny Machado will bat cleanup, followed by Xander Bogaerts, Gavin Sheets, and Ty France. Luis Campusano will catch Michael King, who is making his fourth start of the season. The Mariners will counter with right-hander Bryan Woo, who has a 1.50 ERA through three starts and has had success against the Padres in the past.

  • The Padres are riding a five-game winning streak, their longest since a five-game win streak last August.
  • Tuesday's first pitch is at 6:40 p.m. on Padres.TV.

The players

Fernando Tatis Jr.

The Padres' star outfielder, who is returning to right field after playing back-to-back games at second base over the weekend.

Ramón Laureano

The Padres' new leadoff hitter, who has an .875 OPS so far this season.

Manny Machado

The Padres' cleanup hitter, who has a .774 OPS on the season.

Bryan Woo

The Mariners' right-handed starting pitcher, who has a 1.50 ERA through three starts and has had success against the Padres in the past.

Michael King

The Padres' right-handed starting pitcher, who is coming off his first quality start and win of the season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Padres' frequent lineup changes and Tatis Jr.'s positional flexibility demonstrate the team's efforts to keep their star players fresh and optimize the lineup based on matchups. The Padres' recent hot streak has helped them climb up the NL West standings, and a continued strong performance against the Mariners could further solidify their position in the division.