Notes: Manny's glove, more ABs for France

SAN DIEGO -- Jayce Tingler has only spent a few months as Manny Machado’s manager. But he's seen enough of his third baseman to know what Machado can do defensively.

For instance: On Wednesday night, Machado ranged to his right and made a brilliant backhand snare and throw to first base, robbing Ty France of a hit. This was Tingler's response, a day later:

"Normally you would say, 'What an outstanding play,'" Tingler said. "Seeing Manny work, and as gifted as he is defensively -- I don't want to say we expect that -- but, yeah, we almost expect that.

"Obviously Manny's got special glove ability, and he's a really good, accurate thrower. To be able to do that, going in the third-base coaching box and being able to throw a one-hop strike to [first baseman Eric Hosmer] -- it's impressive. Not many guys in the league can do it."

It was reminiscent of Machado's signature defensive gem from 2019, where he fielded and threw on the run from deep into foul territory at Chase Field.

"Nothing new, that's what I practice for," Machado said nonchalantly that night, and he probably felt the same way on Wednesday.

• Padres acquire left-handed reliever Tim Hill from Royals

Tingler and the Padres are doing their best to maximize Machado’s defensive value this season. In 2019, he played a mostly traditional third base, skewing toward shortstop on shifts while Fernando Tatis Jr. moved to the right side of second.

But in Spring Training, Machado often played short right field on those shifts. He was back there again on Wednesday in the first intrasquad game open to media.

Tingler's thinking is simple: Machado is clearly one of the Padres’ best -- and most creative -- defenders. Why not put him in unique positions to make plays?

"You'll see him at different spots, we're still playing around with some things," Tingler said. "The design is to put guys that are really good with their ball security in hot lanes where, hopefully, the ball is going. ... We're not going to get everywhere. But we do want to be as efficient as we can be."

France swinging his way toward playing time
Before Machado robbed him on Wednesday night, France sent a second-inning laser beam off the left-field wall. He was held to a long single, but it was another reminder of the important role France could play this season, even though he doesn't have an obvious position.

As a rookie in 2019, France batted .234/.294/.402 in 201 plate appearances, but his playing time was sporadic. The Padres believe he can thrive with regular at-bats, and he might get them this season.

France remains blocked at the infield corners by Hosmer and Machado, but he's a favorite to receive the bulk of the designated hitter reps. If Hosmer continues to struggle against left-handers, France is a platoon option at first as well. On top of that, France is an emergency option at catcher, and he has experience at second base.

"Obviously his bat is his big carrying tool," Tingler said. "Depending on what those at-bats look like -- that's probably going to determine his playing time, ultimately. He's had good at-bats. I like him against lefties, and I like him against righties."

Worth noting
• Reliever Trey Wingenter is getting a second opinion on his ailing right elbow, Tingler said, offering no further clarification. Wingenter, who likely would've factored into the Opening Day bullpen mix, was shut down last week because of elbow inflammation.

• Jake Cronenworth was a two-way threat in the Rays' system last season, serving primarily as an infielder while also making a handful of late-season appearances on the mound. After being traded to San Diego, he threw several bullpens in Spring Training. But with the season shortened to 60 games, the Padres have asked Cronenworth to concentrate exclusively on his role as an infielder this month, and he hasn't thrown any bullpens.

• Tingler noted that he's “probably a couple days away” from announcing his Opening Day starter. Coincidentally (or not), Padres ace Chris Paddack is slated for his final intrasquad outing a couple days from now, on Saturday.