With Padres, Castellanos finding new home at first

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Under the Arizona sun, the scene is familiar at every Cactus League game. A crowd gathers behind home plate, hands ready for a foul ball. Beyond the outfield fence, fans sit on colorful picnic blankets hoping to snag a home run. And on the field, defenders do everything they can to make sure the batter’s trip to the plate ends quickly.

For Nick Castellanos, that atmosphere has taken on a new meaning this Spring Training.

Much of his spring with the Padres has been spent learning an unfamiliar corner of the diamond: first base. It’s a transition the veteran says can only truly be learned in real game action.

San Diego has given Castellanos extended looks at first base as he continues to grow comfortable at the position. After spending nine seasons primarily in right field with the Phillies, Castellanos signed a one-year deal with the Padres and arrived in camp open to wherever the team might need him.

With Fernando Tatis Jr. locked into right field and Ramón Laureano expected to handle the other outfield corner, Castellanos’ place in the lineup was likely to come as either the designated hitter or at first base.

While Gavin Sheets and Miguel Andújar remain the Padres’ main options at first, Castellanos’ ability to handle the position could give the club lineup flexibility, particularly against left-handed pitchers. That could also allow Andújar to focus more on DH duties. So far this spring, he’s shown promise both defensively and at the plate, hitting .235 with one home run and six RBIs in 34 at-bats. The Padres have been pleased with the real-game opportunities he’s received.

For Castellanos, the most important part of the transition has been simply getting chances to experience the position during games.

“You can't practice game situations,” Castellanos said. “So every time that you're in a game, a new situation can present itself. The more time that you're over there during the game, situations start to become repetitive.”

That repetition has come quickly this spring. Castellanos has appeared in seven games at first base, making six starts. In that time, he’s recorded 34 putouts in 41 chances, along with six assists and just one error for a .976 fielding percentage.

Along the way, Castellanos has leaned on teammates and former players for advice about the finer details that come with playing first.

Sheets, Tyler France and former Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso have all shared tips about positioning and the subtle tendencies first basemen study as hitters step into the box.

“Everybody here has been very helpful,” Castellanos said.

Often, the guidance centers on the details that only reveal themselves over time.

“Just traits, how they like to straddle the bag, where they'll play certain guys in certain positions,” Castellanos said. “Little nuances of the game that they've learned with all the games they've played over [at first].”

The transition remains a work in progress. Castellanos has looked comfortable on some plays while continuing to adjust to others.

“A lot of people think it's an easy position to play, but it's very difficult,” manager Craig Stammen said. “He’s working really hard over there and putting in a ton of work. He’s doing a great job so far, and we’re looking forward to seeing him out there more often.”

In the Padres’ 4–4 tie on Sunday against the Diamondbacks, Castellanos also took one of his occasional turns in left field. Batting cleanup, he went 0-for-3.

For Castellanos, the process of adapting to a new position is something he welcomed and now embraces.

“Learning a new position is always fun,” Castellanos said. “I’m approaching it with a lot of enthusiasm and joy.”