San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt is facing backlash for a decision after a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The San Diego Padres briefly held first place in the NL West for one day, but now find themselves two games back after being swept by the rival Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend. The Dodgers overtook the Padres with the sweep, reclaiming sole possession of the division lead.
San Diego entered the series on a five-game winning streak after going all out at the trade deadline, acquiring multiple key offensive pieces to address an underperforming lineup—including All-Star first baseman Ryan O’Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles.
However, since arriving in San Diego, the 31-year-old left-handed slugger has struggled to find playing time after serving as an everyday player in Baltimore.
Padres Sit Ryan O’Hearn for Third Time in Four Games
Ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Giants, manager Mike Shildt once again left O’Hearn out of the starting lineup with left-hander Robbie Ray on the mound for San Francisco—marking the third time O’Hearn has been benched in the past four games.
Shildt opted to use Manny Machado as the designated hitter and started Jose Iglesias at third base.
Monday night matchup. pic.twitter.com/aZWsyiF7Zx
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 18, 2025
Padres Fans Frustrated With O’Hearn’s Usage
O’Hearn has positional flexibility to play in the outfield or at first base, but Shildt has consistently favored other options—frustrating Padres fans.
"Not sure this team is good enough to overcome Mike Shildt’s questionable decision making and truly make a run," said a fan.
"AJ please bring to light whatever crime that O'Hearn has committed that relegates him to the bench," said another.
One fan asked, "AJ, who's going to draw the short straw and push Schildt on Arraez struggling and O'hearn sitting? Season is no longer a marathon."
"Sitting a starting all star for Arraez, Johnson, and Iglesias will be Shildt’s downfall and cause for eventual departure from San Diego. It’s so preventable too," wrote one more.
"Why did they trade for O'Hearn to not play him consistently?" asked a fan.
The numbers back up their frustration. O’Hearn has struggled since the move, likely due to adjusting to a reduced role. In 94 games for the Orioles, he batted .283 with an .837 OPS and 13 home runs. But in San Diego, he’s had just 41 plate appearances and posted a .182 average with a .650 OPS, despite facing only right-handed pitching.
He’s also frequently been benched in favor of Luis Arraez and Jose Iglesias—both of whom have had less productive seasons at the plate.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Category: Baseball
