Padres Make Huge Lineup Changes Ahead of Final Chicago Cubs Match

Some moves we've all been waiting to see.

A Fernando Tatis Jr. move to the center field has been a rumor that had been growing traction over the past few days. The San Diego Padres as a whole was slowly watching their roster encounter problem after problem. Xander Bogaerts' wrist issues came fully to light, Trent Grisham's struggles were clear as day, and the Friars were continuing to lose.

However, through all of this, San Diego still has the opportunity tonight to be walk away with a tie rather than another series loss to the Chicago Cubs.

And we just received word that the Padres had to make multiple changes to their starting lineup very shortly before first pitch in large part due to Trent Grisham's back tightness. Fernando Tatis Jr. will take his place in the centerfield.

"Trent Grisham was scratched from today’s lineup with lower back spasms. Fernando Tatis Jr. will play center field and Brandon Dixon will play right field, batting 9th."

(Via Padres)

The last time we saw Nando suit up in the center field position, it was 2021 and he was on top of the world at that point. It will be just his eighth start there and it will be very interesting considering that he has been in the right field all season long.

He was captured taking reps there in the past week so many saw this move coming at some point but Grisham's injury certainly sped it up. We wish our Friars the best of luck tonight and all eyes will be on them tonight to take care of business.