PEORIA, Ariz. — Craig Stammen, it has been learned already in his first spring training as Padres manager, does not rule out many possibilities.

Jake Cronenworth batting atop the order in Monday’s Cactus League game should be taken at this point as a matter of curiosity and convenience. But Stammen did sound earnest — emphasizing the word “is” — when entertaining the idea of this being something that could be seen in the regular season.

“I think it is a thing,” Stammen said Monday morning. “We just kind of want to see. Leadoff is the one spot we’re just not quite sure of who’s going to be in that spot in the lineup. Maybe it (depends on) different handedness (of the opposing pitcher). Maybe it’s all the time. So you might see a few different options here with the WBC guys gone.”

Xander Bogaerts has been the most frequent lead-off batter for the Padres this spring. He would seem to be the leading candidate to replace Fernando Tatis Jr. atop the order, as Tatis slides down to third or fourth. Both of them will be gone through at least March 12 while participating in the World Baseball Classic.

Cronenworth has had his name written in the leadoff spot just 24 times in six big-league seasons. For much of his career, his production has not justified a top-of-the-order spot. But he had his most consistent season in terms of getting on base in 2025, posting a career-high .367 on-base percentage and never dropping below .340 after the season’s fourth game. He also led the Padres with 32 plate appearances that lasted at least eight pitches.

“I’m looking for just a good first at-bat,” Stammen said. “Bring some energy and just let that starting pitcher know he’s in for a long day. The lead-off hitter can set the tone in a way. It sets the tone for the rest of the lineup to maybe score a run in that first inning.”

Also different

It is all kinds of different for Cronenworth on Monday, as he is also starting at shortstop.

Cronenworth came up through the minor leagues playing shortstop but has appeared in just 74 major league games (55 starts) at the position. He has started 217 games at first base and 475 games at second base, which will be his primary position in 2026.

Cronenworth started 10 games at shortstop last season. Before that, he had not played there in a game since 2022.

The Padres will give Sung-Mun Song a look at shortstop, and Mason McCoy could make the team as a utility infielder. But the Padres are also considering Cronenworth being Bogaerts’ primary backup.

Joe’s turn

Joe Musgrove will make his first start of the spring in a stadium on Wednesday.

It will not be a Cactus League game but instead the Padres’ exhibition against Great Britain, which is preparing for the WBC.

Musgrove did not pitch last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2024. He has pitched to hitters three times this spring, including 36 pitches in a simulated game on Thursday.

“He’s doing really well,” Stammen said. “Every time I watch him throw, I’m expecting his stuff to be down a tick, and it hasn’t been. It’s almost been, like, a little bit better.”

Waldron’s progress

Matt Waldron is expected to throw off a mound this week with the idea that he can pitch in at least one Cactus League game before the end of spring.

He last threw in the bullpen on Feb. 21 due to an infection and subsequent procedure, so it will take him some time to ramp up and be ready to start in the regular season.

“It’s a fine line of you don’t want to go too fast,” he said.

With that in mind, Waldron will likely begin the season on the injured list. Since he is out of options, he will have to be placed on the active roster or put on waivers when he is healthy.