Things could not be going much better for the San Diego Padres, as the team has won six consecutive games and nine of their last ten. After a 2-5 start, concerns were raised that the team might be bound for disappointment following back-to-back seasons of making the postseason. However, if this past week is any indication, the current core of the Padres roster is good enough to keep the team in contention.
Despite this, star player Fernando Tatis Jr. has yet to get going offensively to the degree he has shown in the past. Through 17 games, Tatis has not registered a home run, and currently has a .619 OPS, which is well below his career average. Additionally, the two-time Platinum Glove winner has had an interesting start to the season as new manager Craig Stammen has tinkered with his position early in the season.
San Diego Padres’ Tatis’ Position Change
The Padres entered the season without a true backup to infielders Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth. During the offseason, the team signed KBO infielder Sung-Mun Song to a four-year, $15 million contract, but he suffered an injury during Spring Training, and has struggled offensively during his rehab outings with the El Paso Chihuahuas.
As a result, Fernado Tatis Jr., who primarily played shortstop during the first three seasons of his career, has been temporarily moved back to the infield at second base. However, the team’s first game against the Mariners revealed that the move is not a permanent one as Tatis was back in right field to start the contest.
Manager Craig Stammen had previously indicated that the plan was for Tatis to play as the team’s backup second baseman on days where either Xander Bogaerts or Jake Cronenworth were given days off. Stammen said, “But when Xander needs a day off or when Jake needs a day off, he’s probably our best option to play second base at the moment.”
Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 2026 Season
Stammen also added that a change of pace could possibly help Tatis find his groove offensively. In the three games since the move was originally made, Tatis has a .462 batting average and a 1.038 OPS.
Regarding the move, Padres beat writer AJ Cassavell wrote on MLB.com:
“If your goal is to maximize Tatis’ glove, then you play him in the outfield. Obviously. But if your goal is to maximize your roster — and you want to give your middle infielders some time off every now and then — then maybe you play Tatis at second a few times each month. If it helps him relax at the plate, even better.”
Despite Tatis Jr.’s lackluster offensive numbers this season, there are positive signs that he is due for some better luck going forward. His 72.5% hard hit rate is currently the highest in baseball, and he’s also in the top-10 in average exit velocity. So far, his lack of power has not harmed the Padres offense, but it is no secret that San Diego needs more offensive production from its superstar this season.
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