PT TOMORROW: NL West - Carpenter's days in SD are dwindling

San Diego Padres

For much of the first half of the season, the Padres were content to allow the designated hitter to be a non-productive spot in the lineup, with the combination of Matt Carpenter (1B, SD) and Nelson Cruz (DH, FA) floundering at the position. Cruz has since been DFA’d, while Carpenter has finally started to see his playing time slip. While he experienced a brief renaissance with the Yankees in 2022, Carpenter hasn’t been able to carry that over to his time in San Diego (64 ct%, 79 HctX, 126 xPX, -5 BPV).

Of late, Alfonso Rivas (DH, SD) has slowly seen his playing time at first base tick up, as he’s started three of the team’s last seven games. In that same span, Carpenter has started only twice, while Matt Batten (3B,...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

This week, we take a close look at Kyle Karros's impressive June, check in on a catching prospect in San Fran, and welcome back a few old friends.
Jul 4 2026 3:06am
Josh Lowe has returned from AAA and appears to be ready to take over the CF job in Anaheim.
Jul 1 2026 3:07am
Trent Grisham's looming return could remove either Spencer Jones or Jasson Domínguez from the Yankees' outfield. Plus, a new look infield in BOS, Dean Kremer nearing a return for BAL, and more.
Jun 30 2026 3:05am
This week, we discuss the return of Heliot Ramos to a crowded lineup situation in San Francisco, and the playing time outlook for prospects throughout the NL West.
Jun 27 2026 3:06am

Tools