Padres lose to Cubs 6-5, as several regulars stay in Peoria
Credit: J.Clark/ EVT Sports Peoria
It is early in the spring season, and the San Diego Padres are still figuring things out.
On Tuesday, the team traveled to Mesa to take on the Chicago Cubs.
San Diego Padres’ skipper Craig Stammen elected to keep several key players home as Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr, Jackson Merrill, and several other starters did not make the trip. The veterans instead had an early morning workout and went home to rest for the day.
In Mesa, the Padres sent left-handed starter Marco Gonzalez to the mound. The veteran did not pitch well in the game as he coughed up three earned runs in 1 2/3 innings of work. Gonzalez allowed five hits in the game and is competing for a rotation spot. Gonzalez did not help his cause with his performance on Tuesday.
Ron Marinaccio and Bradgley Rodriguez both tossed scoreless innings in the game. Each man is competing for a spot in the bullpen.
Francis Pena was roughed up for three runs in the game. The young right-hander gave up two hits and two walks in 2/3 of an inning pitched. It was a tough day for the young prospect.
The Padres brought a “B” squad to Mesa. So the offense was going to be sporadic at best.
Rise & Shine ☀️ pic.twitter.com/OLRyMYH9Sl
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 24, 2026
Only Nick Castellanos and Miguel Andujar were in the lineup as players who should get ample time this season.
Sung-Mun Song debuted in the starting lineup and at third base. The Korean infielder went 0-for-2 in the game with a walk and a strikeout.
Nick Castellanos continues to play well. He drove a ball into the right field gap to give the Padres their first runs of the game.
Castellanos delivers! pic.twitter.com/dljO5MdEow
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 24, 2026
The Padres ultimately lost the game 6-5 despite a late comeback attempt.
Nick Solak homered in the 9th with Jose Miranda on to bring the game within a run. But the Cubs were able to get Francisco Acuna and Marcos Castanon to close out the game.
The Padres will play the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday in Peoria.
The game is set to start at 12:10 PM. Michael King is set to make his spring debut
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.