PEORIA, Ariz. -- There's still competition for places in the Padres' infield -- it’s just no longer taking place at third base.

News that the Padres are reportedly poised to sign Manny Machado to a record-setting 10-year contract changed the plans for the San Diego infield, both this season and well into the future.

As of Monday morning, six journeymen were slated to compete for time at third base. Prospect Hudson Potts appeared to be the organization's long-term answer. Then Machado settled on San Diego as his preferred destination, and all of that changed.

The Padres infielders weren’t about to complain.

"Everyone in this clubhouse just wants to have the best team, and he makes us better without a doubt," said Greg Garcia, a utility infielder and a one-time candidate to start at third. "He's one of the best players in the world."

"I'm still trying to have a good spring and make the team, and nothing's really changed,” said Ty France, who was arguably the favorite for the third-base job when camp began. “But it'll be an awesome opportunity to get to learn from him and work with him and pick his brain and advance my game that way."

Entering the season, however, the third-base job might still be up for grabs in the short term. Fernando Tatis Jr., the top shortstop prospect and No. 2-ranked prospect overall, isn't likely to break camp with the club, meaning Machado could open the year at shortstop.

But that would mean supplanting Ian Kinsler and Luis Urias as the starters at second and short, respectively. It’s more realistic that the newfound competition is for a pair of backup infield roles.

Garcia has an obvious upper hand. He's a solid defender who can play three positions, including shortstop. As a left-handed hitter, he's a nice platoon option in an infield with three righties, and he has extensive experience as a switch-hitter.

Esteban Quiroz hits left-handed, too, though he’s a non-roster invitee and appears confined to second base. Third basemen Seth Mejias-Brean and Jason Vosler suddenly have no obvious path to the Majors, and it’s hard to envision much playing time for Jose Pirela.

As for the 20-year-old Potts, who has impressed during his first big league camp this spring, the Padres don't have any immediate plans to change his trajectory. But they like his athleticism, and it's possible he sees time at second base or in the outfield in the future.

That’s because it’s pretty clear that Tatis and Machado will lock down the left side of the Padres’ infield eventually. A competition between Urias and Kinsler looms for playing time at second. Kinsler signed a two-year deal with a team option for a third year during the offseason.

"We're going to put the team on the field that we expect will win baseball games," said manager Andy Green. "We'll sort through it as time comes, but there's plenty of at-bats out there, there are plenty of opportunities."

Mitchell to start spring opener

Right-hander Bryan Mitchell will take the ball Saturday when the Padres open their Cactus League slate against the Mariners at 12:10 p.m. PT.

Mitchell is coming off a disappointing first season in San Diego in which he posted a 5.42 ERA over 16 appearances, including 11 starts. He was much better in September, however, notching a 2.19 ERA in four outings after returning from an elbow injury.

That strong finish helped preserve Mitchell's place on the roster this offseason, but he's currently out of options and still in a fight for a rotation spot. At this point, his inclusion on the Opening Day squad seems like a toss-up.

"I've got to earn everything," Mitchell said earlier this week.

Rain alters workout plans

The Padres were forced to cancel their on-field workouts Thursday, as rain poured on the Peoria Sports Complex. A number of pitchers who were scheduled to face live hitters had their throwing sessions moved to the canopied bullpens near the batting cage.

It's unclear how the weather might impact the Padres' pitching plans, but with rain in the forecast Friday, it's possible the Padres will have only two regular full-squad workouts ahead of Saturday's game. That game probably won’t feature many regulars.

"Games start so quick for position players that you don't even worry about getting everything in, because you don't have time to get everything in," Green said. "They're just going to go out there and play the best they can and we'll make sure our main guys are ready to go when we first put them on the field."