PHILADELPHIA — The Padres gave Brett Wallace his first start of the season Monday, batting him fifth behind Wil Myers. Of equal note was where they stood on the field: Wallace at first base, Myers' usual spot, with Myers in left field.
Since spring training, manager Andy Green had said he would use this configuration sooner or later, both to give Wallace an occasional start and to simultaneously keep Myers' bat in the lineup. The season's seventh game presented a logical opportunity. On the mound was Philadelphia's Aaron Nola; against right-handers in 2015, the left-handed-hitting Wallace batted .