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

Top Twins prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez will start 2026 at Triple-A, but seem likely to get a call-up at some point this season. Plus, saves in CHW, the Guardians' middle infield, an unknown Tiger, and Starling Marte and Lane Thomas in KC.
Mar 12 2026 3:05am
Top to bottom, the Washington Nationals have one of the youngest—and most high-variance—teams in baseball. Plus: SP in MIA; Profar fallout in ATL; C at NYM; RP in PHI; more.
Mar 11 2026 8:30am
With Jeremy Peña suffering a finger injury, the Astros may be shuffling things up in the infield to start the season.
Mar 11 2026 8:10am
Max Scherzer is among several AL East pitchers whose recent returns to the mound could have ripple effects on their team's rotation plans.
Mar 10 2026 3:05am
With a number of position battles still underway in the NL West, extra spring training reps for competing players may be the difference between a regular role in the show and a possible trip back to the minors.
Mar 7 2026 3:10am

Tools