Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy of a high-stakes baseball matchup between the Padres and Mariners.San Diego Today
The San Diego Padres will be without star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. as they go for their seventh consecutive win against the Seattle Mariners on Jackie Robinson Day. Tatis will get his first day off this season, with Nick Castellanos moving to right field and Xander Bogaerts batting third. Padres right-hander Randy Vasquez will face off against Mariners righty Emerson Hancock.
Why it matters
The Padres are off to a strong 11-6 start and a win would tie their season-opening streak from last year. Tatis’ absence is notable, as the young superstar has struggled to find his rhythm at the plate so far this season. The Padres will need contributions from their supporting cast to keep the winning streak alive.
The details
With Tatis out, the Padres’ lineup will see some shuffling. Nick Castellanos will start in right field and bat sixth, while center fielder Jackson Merrill moves up to the two-hole and Xander Bogaerts bats third for the first time this season. Ramón Laureano will lead off, followed by Merrill, Bogaerts, Manny Machado, and Gavin Sheets. Ty France, Jake Cronenworth, and Freddy Fermin round out the order.
The Padres (11-6) are seeking their seventh straight win, which would tie last year’s season-opening streak.First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. on Padres.TV.
The players
Fernando Tatis Jr.
The Padres’ star shortstop will get his first day off this season as the team looks to extend its winning streak.
Nick Castellanos
The Padres outfielder will start in right field and bat sixth with Tatis out of the lineup.
Xander Bogaerts
The Padres shortstop will bat third, his first time in that spot since last season.
Randy Vasquez
The Padres right-hander will make his fourth start of the season, looking to continue his strong start.
Emerson Hancock
The Mariners right-hander will make his fourth start of the year, having already faced the Padres once in 2022.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“Today, we all wear 42 💙”
— San Diego Padres, Twitter account
The takeaway
The Padres’ depth will be tested with Tatis out, but they have a chance to tie their best start in recent memory with a win over the Mariners on Jackie Robinson Day. Vasquez and the supporting cast will need to step up to keep the winning streak alive.