Coming off a tough 7–1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the San Diego Padres are aiming to bounce back in their next matchup. As part of that effort, the team is making adjustments to its starting lineup in hopes of sparking more consistent offense early in the season.
Third baseman Manny Machado will get the day off, with Miguel Andújar stepping in to take his place at third (h/t Padres’ X account). Machado went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and one walk in the loss.
His absence comes after appearing in 11 consecutive games, making rest a sensible move. Giving him time to recover helps prevent potential injury and keeps one of the Padres’ most valuable players fresh moving forward this season.
With Machado getting much-needed rest, the Padres will look to Andujar and the rest of the lineup to step up in his absence.
Last season, Machado delivered another strong performance, appearing in 159 games and starting the first 139. He posted a .275 batting average, a .795 OPS, and a .335 on-base percentage, along with 27 home runs and 95 RBIs. His production earned him an All-Star selection, a Silver Slugger Award, and a 16th-place finish in MVP voting.
Machado remains one of MLB’s premier third basemen, known for elite defense, a powerful arm, and strong baseball instincts. Offensively, he is a consistent run producer with impressive power and exit velocity. His durability and leadership continue to stand out, as he consistently performs at a high level on both sides of the ball, making him a cornerstone player the Padres rely on throughout the season.
© Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
He has developed into one of Major League Baseball’s elite players since being selected third overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2010 MLB Draft out of Brito Miami Private School in Florida.
Over the course of his career, he has built an impressive résumé, earning seven All-Star selections, two Gold Glove Awards, three Silver Slugger Awards, and a Platinum Glove. Machado was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018, further showcasing his value as a premier talent in the league.
The Padres made their long-term commitment clear by signing Machado to an 11-year, $350 million contract extension in February 2023. That deal ensures he will remain a cornerstone of the franchise for the foreseeable future, giving San Diego stability and star power as they continue building a competitive roster around one of baseball’s most consistent and impactful players.
