Fernando Tatis Jr. Shifts to Second Base for First MLB Start
SAN DIEGO — Fernando Tatis Jr. will make his first MLB start at second base Saturday night. The move comes as the San Diego Padres rotate rest days for veteran position players.
Why the shift?
Shortstop Xander Bogaerts will receive a day off against the Colorado Rockies. Jake Cronenworth will move to shortstop, a role he has covered since last season. Nick Castellanos is penciled in to start in right field.
Manager Craig Stammen said the team planned the adjustment in advance. He called Tatis the most exciting option to cover second base.
Experience and preparation
Tatis, 27, began his career as a shortstop. He has prior second-base experience from the minors and a late-game appearance there in September 2023.
He has worked with infield coaches Ryan Goins and Nick Punto. He took ground balls last season and increased drills daily last month in preparation.
Defensive credentials
The right fielder is a top-tier defender. He earned Gold Glove and Platinum Glove honors in 2023 and 2025.
Offense and expectations
Tatis is a two-time Silver Slugger. He is also enduring the poorest offensive start of his major-league career.
Through 14 games he owns a .519 OPS. Club officials say his hard-contact numbers suggest bad luck has been a factor.
Stammen suggested a position change could help his hitting. The manager hopes a new defensive challenge will ease Tatis’ offensive frustrations.
Lineup implications
Tatis will remain the Padres’ primary right fielder. How often he appears at second base is uncertain.
Saturday will serve as his first audition at the position. The club will evaluate results before deciding on further use.
- Team: San Diego Padres
- Manager: Craig Stammen
- Infield coaches: Ryan Goins, Nick Punto
- Player age: 27
- Recent honors: Gold Glove (2023), Platinum Glove (2025)
- Current OPS: .519 through 14 games
Filmogaz.com will monitor how this experiment unfolds. Fans and analysts will watch whether the switch to second base unlocks Tatis’ bat.
