Manny Machado is on the verge of joining a highly exclusive group of Major League Baseball players who have amassed 2,000 career hits and 350 home runs by their age-32 season. This milestone could be reached Saturday night when Machado and the San Diego Padres face the Texas Rangers in the second game of their three-game series.
Turning 33 on Sunday, Machado currently holds 356 home runs and was just five hits shy of the 2,000-hit threshold entering the series. His pursuit of this rare accomplishment highlights his status among legendary players in MLB history.
Performance Highlights From Friday’s Game Against Texas
Machado contributed significantly to San Diego’s 3-2 victory in 10 innings Friday night. He launched a 440-foot home run in the fourth inning and recorded a single in the eighth, totalling two hits during the game. Despite having two hits already, Texas manager Bruce Bochy opted to intentionally walk Machado in the 10th inning, denying him a chance for a third hit in the game.
San Diego second baseman Jake Cronenworth praised Machado’s consistent performance throughout the season, saying,
“Seems like every game, there’s a new milestone he’s hitting,”
followed by,
“It’s special to be a part of this.”
—Jake Cronenworth, San Diego Second Baseman
Machado’s Impact on the Padres’ Walk-Off Victory
The intentional walk issued to Machado set the stage for Cronenworth to deliver the game-winning hit. With bases loaded and two outs, Cronenworth lifted a single to right field, bringing in the winning run and securing the Padres’ triumph in extra innings. Machado’s presence at the plate in key moments continues to be a catalyst for the team’s successes.
However, the Padres’ win came with a setback as shortstop Xander Bogaerts left the field after experiencing a hamstring cramp during his 10th-inning at-bat. Bogaerts was replaced by a pinch hitter, and the injury marked his second leg cramp in six days.
Manager Mike Shildt expressed concern, stating,
“It was a pretty nasty cramp that knotted up on him,”
and added,
“We’ve noticed it’s happening often so we’ve got to do a deep dive.”
—Mike Shildt, San Diego Manager
Starting Pitchers Set for Saturday’s Game
Right-hander Stephen Kolek (3-3, 3.73 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Padres. Kolek last pitched on Sunday against Cincinnati, allowing one run and three hits over 5 2/3 innings while striking out five batters. He did not factor into the decision in that 3-2 loss. Kolek has previous experience facing the Rangers, having thrown 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief last season during his only outing against Texas.
The Rangers will counter with veteran left-hander Patrick Corbin (4-7, 4.26 ERA). Corbin’s last start came in a 10-6 loss to the Rangers on Monday night, when he gave up three runs on eight hits over six innings. Over 26 career games against the Padres, including 21 starts, Corbin holds a 7-12 record with a 4.70 ERA.
Rangers Struggling to Capitalize Against Padres Pitching
The Rangers had opportunities to extend their early 2-0 lead Friday and to break a 2-2 tie late in the game, but they were unable to come through with key hits. The team went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position and stranded runners on first and second base in the 10th inning. This lack of timely hitting contributed to San Diego’s walk-off victory.
Manager Bruce Bochy reflected on the Rangers’ offensive struggles, stating,
“It’s pretty simple. We’ve just got to get a big hit,”
and added,
“It’s frustrating to lose these games.”
—Bruce Bochy, Texas Rangers Manager
Since June 14, Texas has played seven extra-inning games, winning three and losing four, including Friday’s loss, which marked their fifth extra-inning game in eight days.
Injury Updates and Team Outlook
The Rangers anticipate the return of outfielder Wyatt Langford, who has been sidelined with a left oblique strain, for Saturday’s game. This will be Langford’s second time on the injured list this season due to the same injury.
As the Padres and Rangers continue their series, Machado’s pursuit of the 2,000 hits and 350 homers milestone adds an additional layer of excitement. Should he secure the necessary hits Saturday, he will join an elite group including Hall of Famers Henry Aaron, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Mays, further cementing his legacy in MLB history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What surgery did Manny Machado have?
A. San Diego Padres star Manny Machado had surgery during the offseason to fix tennis elbow in his right arm. He has been practicing throwing for about six weeks and recently started increasing the intensity of his workouts on the field. Machado mentioned that swinging a bat and fielding ground balls are not issues for him.
Q. Is Manny Machado a future Hall of Famer?
A. Manny Machado is becoming a definite MLB Hall-of-Fame candidate. Over his career, Machado has faced many challenges, but he is set for the Hall of Fame. There was a time when he was seen as a villain in Major League Baseball.
Q. Did Manny Machado have surgery?
A. Throughout the entire 2023 season, Machado endured severe pain in his right elbow. He was told it was tennis elbow. After the season, he had surgery, and his recovery was expected to extend into the 2024 season.
Q. Is Manny Machado a good player?
A. Machado became the 10th third baseman ever to hit 350 home runs while playing at least half his games at third base. He is recognized as one of the greatest in that position. Machado has also achieved 1,972 hits, and he will reach over 2,000 hits this summer.