Padres Stick With Tatis Jr. as Leadoff Hitter

Campusano to Catch Pitcher Michael King in Series Opener

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:29pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting overlapping perspectives of a baseball game, conveying the excitement and motion of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the Padres' lineup and pitching matchup against the Red Sox, reflecting the dynamic energy of the game.Boston Today

The San Diego Padres will continue to bat star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. in the leadoff spot and have catcher Luis Campusano behind the plate to catch pitcher Michael King as they take on the struggling Boston Red Sox, who have lost five straight games heading into their home opener.

Why it matters

Tatis Jr. is one of the most exciting young players in baseball, and the Padres are hoping his presence at the top of the order can help spark their offense against a Red Sox team that has stumbled out of the gate. Campusano is a highly touted prospect getting an opportunity to show what he can do as the starting catcher.

The details

The Padres are sticking with their dynamic young shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. in the leadoff spot, where he has excelled in the past. Tatis will look to set the table for the rest of the Padres' potent lineup. Behind the plate, the Padres will go with Luis Campusano, a top catching prospect, to handle the pitching duties against the Red Sox and starter Michael King.

  • The Padres and Red Sox will face off in Boston's home opener on April 3, 2026.

The players

Fernando Tatis Jr.

The Padres' star shortstop and one of the most exciting young players in baseball.

Luis Campusano

A highly touted Padres catching prospect who will get the start behind the plate in the series opener.

Michael King

The Red Sox starting pitcher in the home opener against the Padres.

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What they’re saying

“Fernando is our guy at the top of the order. We're confident he can get on base and set the tone for us against the Red Sox.”

— Bob Melvin, Padres Manager

The takeaway

The Padres are sticking with their proven formula of letting their young superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. set the table at the top of the order, while also giving a talented prospect in Luis Campusano a chance to show what he can do behind the plate against the struggling Red Sox.