The San Diego Padres entered the 2026 MLB season expecting third basemanManny Machado to remain a consistent piece of their lineup. In just the fourth season of an 11-year, $350 million extension, Machado is locked in with the Padres through 2033. However, he has been among the biggest disappointments throughout the year.
On Tuesday, San Diego lost to the Cincinnati Reds 5-3 in 11 innings of play. They dropped to 34-32 and are now 8.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League West lead.
Machado had a chance to completely change the game, though. He stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning with bases loaded, one out, and the game tied 2-2. The seven-time All-Star didn't put up much of a fight, striking out swinging in five pitches.
© Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
It was an opportunity for him to come up big in a season he's struggled immensely. However, he just couldn't get it done. After the game, though, manager Craig Stammen maintained his faith in Machado.
“I’ll put Manny in those situations tomorrow, the next day, the day after that, the day after that, the rest of the season,” Stammen said. “I trust him more, just all of our guys, but I would put him in that situation over many, many, many others, and I’m sure other managers would do the same thing on their team, but me personally, nobody I'd rather have at the plate."
The Padres are desperate for the three-time Silver Slugger to return to his usual form. In 64 games this season, he's accumulated 234 at-bats, 29 runs scored, 40 hits, 11 home runs, 33 RBIs and 27 base on balls. He is also slashing .171/.253/.342 with a .595 OPS.
With full faith from Stammen, Machado will continue getting the opportunity to bounce back. The Padres face the Reds on Wednesday in a rubber match, with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.
