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Jun 23, 2026

Padres Manager Explains Questionable Decision to Move Hottest Hitter Down in Lineup

Padres Manager Explains Questionable Decision to Move Hottest Hitter Down in Lineup

The Padres went with a surprise lineup change.Matt Levine|
Jun 8, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Samad Taylor (0), right, is congratulated by second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) after scoring during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Jun 8, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Samad Taylor (0), right, is congratulated by second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) after scoring during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

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San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres made a surprise lineup change ahead of their first game with the Atlanta Braves on Monday.

Padres manager Craig Stammen moved Samad Taylor to the No. 9 spot in the midst of a hot stretch for the hitter. The idea was to have someone playing well hitting right in front of star Fernando Tatis Jr., hoping to get some action on the bases in front of San Diego's other hottest hitter.

“Just trying to bounce him around a little bit, find out the best spot for him to impact the game the way he’s been impacting it with the speed, bunting, stealing bags, stuff like that,” Stammen said before the game of the decision. “Maybe putting him that second time around in front of Tati — you know, Tati likes having someone in front of him that’s got some speed, so see if that jump starts the offense even more than what it already has been.”

Taylor ended up going 0-for-3 in the game, but the Padres did find a way to win. In snapped his 12-game hitting streak.

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