Great news is on the horizon for the San Diego Padres as second baseman Jake Cronenworth is on track to return to the team very soon. After missing a lot of time due to a concussion, Cronenworth is slated to appear in a rehab game on Thursday night for the El Paso Chihuahuas.
CRONE ZONE ALERT
Jake Cronenworth is scheduled to begin his MLB rehab assignment tonight against Sugar Land. pic.twitter.com/8QWuf3YDY5
— El Paso Chihuahuas (@epchihuahuas) June 25, 2026
The Padres have used a mix of Fernando Tatis Jr and Sung-Mun Song at second base in Cronenworth’s absence. Song can play all over the infield, and we all know Tatis Jr. can play all over the entire diamond. Tatis Jr. has seen his offense progress since the start of the season, and he is now playing much better. He has had a lot of fun playing at second, and that will likely continue against left-handed pitching, even with Cronenworth back.
Against right-handers, Tatis will likely move back to right field, and Cronenworth should see full-time play at second.
The Padres are coming off a series sweep against the Atlanta Braves, which shocked many, including the Padres themselves. The offense has not performed well enough this season, and entering that series, the team was close to falling back to .500. Now with the Los Angeles Dodgers on the scheudle twice in the next two weeks, the Padres must find a way to remain competitive. Things could get really bad if they aren’t careful.
Manny Machado is starting to figure things out as well. He is the team leader in home runs and recently walked off the Braves on Tuesday night. If Machado turns his season around, the Padres will be dangerous.
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