The San Diego Padres have dealt with their fair share of injuries as the postseason nears, with Xander Bogaerts becoming the latest victim. Bogaerts has not been ruled out of returning for the postseason, but will miss the rest of the regular season with a fractured left foot.
In the meantime, the Padres have filled the void in their infield with 13-year veteran Jose Iglesias. The one-time All-Star is known for his great glove, but this season has struggled tremendously from the plate while also taking a step back on defense. In 99 games for San Diego this season, Iglesias is batting .223, with 11 extra-base hits and 30 RBIs. Iglesias ranks in the 11th percentile in batting run value, and in the 38th percentile in fielding run value. His current WAR total for the season sits at -1.0.
With all of this in mind, the Padres could think about moving one of their athletic outfielders and former shortstops back into the infield. Both Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. come to mind. Newly acquired outfielder Ramon Laureano would make this transition seamless, due to his ability to play in all three outfield positions.
Jackson Merrill is on board with the idea telling reporters: "Oh I wish, that'd be awesome." Moving Merrill to the infield would see Laureano moved to center, while Tatis Jr. and Gavin Sheets could remain in left and right.
While it may be a questionable time to make such a big change, the Padres need to do something. The team currently trails the Dodgers by two games in the NL West, but has lost six of their last seven, including their last four straight.