Hosmer scratched after big Opening Night

SAN DIEGO -- Eric Hosmer's encore has been put on hold.

An hour before first pitch of the Padres' game against the D-backs on Saturday night, Hosmer was scratched from the starting lineup with an illness that is "not COVID related," the team announced.

After the game -- a 5-1 San Diego victory -- manager Jayce Tingler expressed optimism that Hosmer might return on Sunday.

“He’s dealing with a little stomach issue,” Tingler said. “We’re hopeful to have him tomorrow. But I just don’t know any more right now.”

On Opening Day, Hosmer set a franchise record with six RBIs in a 7-2 win over the D-backs, earning a niche bit of history in the club record books as the only player to hit two bases-clearing doubles in the same game.

Ty France slotted into Hosmer’s No. 5 spot in the lineup, also playing first base. France started as the designated hitter on Friday night, going 1-for-4.

Wil Myers moved from right field into the DH role on Saturday, with Edward Olivares starting in right for his big league debut.

Worth noting
• Tingler wouldn't delve too deeply into his decision to pinch-hit for Francisco Mejía on Friday, leaving Austin Hedges -- a superior defender -- to catch the final two frames. Generally speaking, it's rare that catchers are used as defensive replacements. The risks are twofold: If Hedges were to get hurt, the Padres would need France to serve as emergency catcher. Similarly, if the Padres were to cough up their lead, Tingler would have no cover to pinch-hit for Hedges -- a career .201 hitter.

"I don't want to get into our strategy," Tingler said. "But if we're trying to win each and every night, sometimes we've got to roll the dice and take some chances."

• The Padres haven't decided on a starter for Monday's game, and they might not do so until after their game Sunday. Currently, Zach Davies, Joey Lucchesi and Cal Quantrill are options, but it's also possible Tingler uses some combination of bullpen arms.

• For the second consecutive night, the lefty-hitting Trent Grisham batted ninth against a tough left-handed starter. Tingler is doing his best to get Grisham fewer at-bats against those lefties, while making the most of his ability to reach base. Grisham is essentially a table-setter for the top of the order against lefties. But Tingler hinted that Grisham would likely hit higher in the lineup against right-handed pitching. The Padres face their first righty, Zac Gallen, on Sunday.