The Padres rank 29th in batting average (.192) and last in on-base percentage (.264), slugging (.290) and OPS (.554).<\/p>\n
It\u2019s added up to sitting three games under .500 for the first time since June 18, 2024, when they were 37-40 after a loss in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s rough,\u201d Fernando Tatis Jr. said. \u201cRough, because everybody wants to see results.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perhaps more lineup tweaking will trigger something.<\/p>\n
Facing the first of two left-handers in a row, the Padres are giving Jackson Merrill the start off and loading the lineup with right-handed hitters against Red Sox rookie Connelly Early. Ram\u00f3n Laureano will bat second and man left field, designated hitter Miguel Adujar will bat third, Ty France will play first base and bat seventh and switch-hitter Bryce Johnson will take over for Merrill in center and bat ninth.<\/p>\n
Saturday afternoon baseball. pic.twitter.com\/woDdtXIjBM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 San Diego Padres (@Padres) April 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI think anytime that you find that have a good chance to get a lot of right handers in there against a tough lefty, you take that opportunity,\u201d Padres manager Craig Stammen said. \u201cI know Ty\u2019s in there today. He hasn\u2019t really had many opportunities to play or get at bats. So you want to keep your guys feeling like they\u2019re part of the team, because they are a big part of the team, and find opportunities for them to get playing time, especially early in the season.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, we\u2019re trying to figure out how to use the roster the right way, and who can play when and all that kind of stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n The second and third spots in the order, respectively, are the highest so far this year for Laureano and Andjuar.\u00a0Stammen mentioned France\u2019s defense as last year\u2019s Gold Glove winner in the AL when asked about the decision to start him over veteran Nick Castellanos. France is 0-for-3 so far in this stint as a Padre, while Castellanos is 2-for-12 with a double.<\/p>\n As for Merrill, Stammen noted it was a day off for the 22-year-old, whose .185\/.241\/.333 batting line through seven games pales in comparison to last year\u2019s first seven games (.417\/.444\/.708).<\/p>\n His chase rate so far (41.7%) is a tick or two above last year\u2019s numbers (37.8%).<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s an aggressive hitter to begin with and I feel like he\u2019s trying to create action,\u201d Stammen said of Merrill\u2019s early at-bats. \u201cHe\u2019s someone that can create energy and enthusiasm and action for the team. His at-bats have been fine, but he just may be \u2014 I don\u2019t know for sure, not inside of his head \u2014 but he may be trying to be a little too aggressive at times and going outside the zone. But today will be a good day to take a little step back and then get back in there tomorrow and prove to the rest of the world who he is.\u201d<\/p>\n Here is how the Red Sox, who are tied with the Padres with just two wins, will line up for Game 2:<\/p>\n Saturday afternoon at Fenway. pic.twitter.com\/IJbPcaQ0r5<\/a><\/p>\n
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