Padres All-Star Exits Tuesday's Game vs Athletics With Injury

Apr 8, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Jake Cronenworth (right) celebrates with right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images | Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres All-Star infielder Jake Cronenworth exited Tuesday's game against the Athletics early with an apparent injury.

Cronenworth appeared to injure something while swinging and grounding out in the top of the third inning.

More news: Padres' Jackson Merrill Heading to Injured List in Shocking Move

Outfielder Oscar Gonzalez, who was recalled to replace the injured Jackson Merrill on the roster, replaced him in the lineup and took over in left field, while Jose Iglesias moved back to the infield.

Jake Cronenworth is leaving the game. He appeared to injure something while swinging (and grounding out) in the top of the third inning. Now, he's headed to the clubhouse, and the newly promoted Oscar Gonzalez -- who arrived only minutes ago -- is into the game (in left).

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) April 9, 2025

Cronenworth, 31, was off to a strong start this season, slashing .257/.409/.486 with two home runs, five runs batted in, and eight walks to nine strikeouts. He's been great against both right-handed and left-handed pitching, giving the Padres a great everyday option at second base.

The Padres will hope Cronenworth's injury isn't too serious, as losing him for significant time would be a brutal blow to the team's lineup.

The Padres already will be without center fielder Jackson Merrill for the next week-plus, as he was placed on the injured list ahead of Tuesday's game due to his hamstring injury.

The Padres opened the season 9-2, but were down, 9-4, against the Athletics through three innings on Tuesday.

More news: Padres Insider Provides Positive Update on Yu Darvish's Injury Recovery

For more Padres news, head over to Padres on SI.