The San Diego Padres are implementing a revised lineup for Wednesday’s 1:10 p.m. game against the San Francisco Giants as they attempt to avoid a series sweep.

Offensive Struggles Prompt Changes

Through the first five games of the season, the Padres have scored just 12 runs, tied for the second-lowest total in Major League Baseball. This marks their fewest runs scored in the first five games of a season since 2014. The team has yet to score four runs in a single game this year.

Lineup Adjustments for Wednesday’s Game

Fernando Tatis Jr. will lead off for the first time this season against a right-handed pitcher, a role previously held by Jake Cronenworth, who will now bat sixth. Xander Bogaerts will bat second, mirroring his placement against left-handed pitching.

New Faces in the Batting Order

Bryce Johnson is set to make his first start of the season in left field, batting ninth. Ramón Laureano returns to the lineup as the designated hitter and fifth hitter, the highest position in the order so far for the Padres’ leader in hits, total bases, and OPS.

Jackson Merrill, batting third, is the only other Padre with an OPS above .667, and along with Laureano, is one of only two Padres to hit a home run this season. Freddy Fermin is also back in the lineup.

Pitching Matchup

The Padres will face Giants pitcher Houser, who has a 3.00 ERA in 33 innings against San Diego. He previously allowed four runs in two innings against the Padres in 2023. Padres opening day starter, Pivetta, allowed six runs in three innings during his last start against the Giants, and has a career 4.34 ERA in 37⅓ innings against them.