Cronenworth (right rib fracture) lands on injured list

SAN DIEGO -- Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday after he was diagnosed with a fractured right rib that he sustained Sunday on a hit-by-pitch.

The club did not divulge a timetable for Cronenworth’s return, with manager Mike Shildt noting it was too early to do so and contingent on the healing process. Cronenworth’s injury was initially diagnosed as a contusion, and he continued to play. But he exited Tuesday’s game in obvious pain after a swing, then underwent an MRI during Thursday’s off-day.

“It’s frustrating,” Cronenworth said. “I thought I could play through it, thought it was just a bruise. Turned out to be something else.”

It’s another blow for the Padres, who placed center fielder Jackson Merrill on the 10-day IL on Tuesday. But the injury news wasn’t all bad -- right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. returned to the lineup for Friday’s series opener against the Rockies after dealing with left shoulder discomfort.

Like Cronenworth, Tatis had also exited Tuesday’s game against the A’s, then missed Wednesday’s series finale. The Padres were hoping both would return to the lineup on Friday night. But the results of Cronenworth’s MRI changed those plans, prompting a series of roster moves.

Cronenworth was formally placed on the IL before Friday’s game, and the Padres called up utility man Tyler Wade in his place. Right-hander Matt Waldron (left oblique strain) was transferred to the 60-day IL to clear space for Wade on the 40-man roster.

Wade slots into the utility role that had previously been occupied by Jose Iglesias, with Iglesias set to assume the starting role at second base.

“The one thing is, guys will step up,” Shildt said. “It’s going to create more opportunities for Iglesias. He’ll be in there tonight. Then, with Wadey being back … We’d rather not have these circumstances, but we’re super glad to have Wadey back on the club.”

Cronenworth was off to a hot start to the season, posting an .895 OPS through the first 12 games -- including a homer on Monday night.

“What a tough dude,” Shildt said. “Trivia question: How many guys have hit a homer with a fractured rib? Jake Cronenworth. So it’s unfortunate, but shows how tough our guys are, how tough Croney is.”

Cronenworth’s injury is yet another test of the Padres’ roster depth. The team signed Iglesias to a Minor League deal during Spring Training, with an invite to big league camp. After he starred for the Mets last season, Iglesias promptly won a roster spot in San Diego.

He hasn’t played much this season, hitting just .200 across parts of six games. But he batted .337 in 85 games for New York last season and was signed with precisely this kind of situation in mind.

Wade, meanwhile, was the final cut from the Padres’ Opening Day roster, and he was designated for assignment in late March. After clearing waivers, Wade opted to stick with the Padres and accepted an assignment to Triple-A El Paso.

Despite the early injuries, the Padres are off to a red-hot start, entering play Friday with a 10-3 record, the best mark in the Majors.

“The guys are rolling, and it’s been so much fun to watch,” Wade said. “They’re playing a good brand of baseball right now. I’m just excited to contribute in any way I can.”