Manny Machado played a central role in multiple heated confrontations during this season’s matchups between the San Diego Padres and their long-standing rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The renewed rivalry has brought a level of intensity and raw emotion that had been missing for over three years.
Pedro Martinez, the Hall of Fame pitcher, shared his reflections on a recent podcast, expressing how witnessing this fierce competition recalled memories of the hard-fought battles he experienced against the New York Yankees while pitching for Boston. Martinez pointed out that the Padres finally set aside respect and openly displayed their rivalry’s fire, something that fans had been waiting to see for quite some time.
“More thean three years, I was waiting to see who was going to go out there an play a true game, like back in my days, I saw San Diego and the Dodgers go at it, Martinez said (12:25). I was like, ‘God damn, San Diego has been hit 57 times, and they’ve only retaliated 19 or 20 times.’ I said, ‘When are these guys going to realize (what they need to do)?'” —Pedro Martinez, Hall of Famer
“Fernando [Tatis Jr.] is getting plonked, and nothing is happening. I’m mad, Manny Machado’s pissed, everybody’s pissed, and the Dodgers kept hitting Fernando Tatis. Finally, we saw one of those starters go after [Shohei] Ohtani. I have to give credit to the umpires, they allowed them to play the game and be angry at each other.” —Pedro Martinez, Hall of Famer
Manny Machado’s Continued Excellence Leads to All-Star Selection
Since his major league debut in August 2012, Manny Machado has established himself as one of baseball’s premier third basemen. Now in his thirties, Machado remains a consistent and impactful presence for the Padres both offensively and defensively.
This season, Machado boasts a batting average of .301 with 20 home runs and 69 RBIs, making him one of the top offensive contributors for San Diego. Defensively, his skill at third base continues to earn praise, solidifying his reputation as one of the best at his position.
These strong performances resulted in Machado being named to the All-Star game held in Atlanta just after his 33rd birthday, marking his seventh selection to the mid-season showcase. His ongoing success highlights his durability and elite status in the league.
Padres Eye Playoff Success Amid Rising Team Momentum
Beyond individual achievements, Machado’s focus remains on leading the Padres to their inaugural World Series championship. The team is well-positioned for postseason contention, currently holding second place in the NL West and sitting third in the Wild Card standings.
With the rivalry against the Dodgers reignited and players like Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. driving the effort, the Padres have created a season filled with drama and determination. This resurgence could prove crucial as they aim to make a deep playoff run and finally claim a title in franchise history.