Craig Stammen Embraces 'Big Learning Curve' as New San Diego Padres Manager

The San Diego Padres have surprisingly appointed former reliever Craig Stammen as their new manager, replacing Mike Shildt who retired due to burnout. Stammen, 41, who retired from playing in August 2023 after a shoulder injury, has been with the Padres organization since 2017. General Manager A.J. Preller cited Stammen's elite competitiveness, work ethic, preparation, and natural leadership as key qualities, noting his unique perspective from being part of the organization through building and playoff teams. Stammen, who had no prior coaching or managing experience, acknowledged the "big learning curve" ahead but expressed confidence in his relationship with pitching coach Ruben Niebla, calling them a "lethal combo" for pitching decisions. He retired after a shoulder injury sustained during spring training and previously served as an assistant to the major league coaching staff and baseball operations department. Stammen's transition to manager involved significant family decisions to relocate to California, with Preller's continued belief being a crucial factor. He is the Padres' sixth manager since 2015, not counting interims. Stammen is remembered for starting Game 3 of the 2020 Wild Card Series against the Cardinals, managed by Shildt at the time.