Padres Reveal First Lineup of Spring Training

After months of preparing for the 2023 season, the San Diego Padres are finally ready for their first Spring Training game of the year. They'll host the Seattle Mariners on Friday afternoon at Peoria Sports Complex with first pitch scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET.

Manager Bob Melvin has released the Padres' starting lineup ahead of the game.

Padres Spring Training Lineup

Right-handed pitcher Nick Martinez will be on the hill for San Diego after a strong rebound campaign in 2022. The 32-year-old posted a 3.47 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP in 106 1/3 innings last year in his first MLB season since 2017.

New shortstop Xander Bogaerts will lead off for the Friars after a highly successful decade with the Boston Red Sox. He'll be followed by third baseman Manny Machado, who could be entering his final season with San Diego.

Juan Soto will bat third in his first Spring Training game for the Padres, while veteran slugger Nelson Cruz will hit cleanup and DH.

He-Seong Kim will bat fifth and man the keystone coming off a solid 2022, followed by right fielder Brandon Dixon at sixth. Catcher Luis Campusano bats seventh, first baseman Alfonso Rivas hits eighth and center fielder Jose Azocar bats ninth.

Overall, San Diego's lineup is an interesting mix. The top third is comprised of annual MVP candidates, while the bottom half is decidedly less impressive. Still, it should give the Padres a decent chance of pulling out the win in their spring opener.