Padres' Craig Stammen Announces Manny Machado Update After Leaving Cubs Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 1:31 AM ET

The San Diego Padres once again look like a serious contender in the National League, but not everyone on the roster has met expectations. Third baseman Manny Machado has been a below-average hitter through the first month of the 2026 season.

Across 26 games, the 33-year-old veteran owns a .209 batting average, .327 on-base percentage, .690 OPS, four home runs and 16 RBIs.

The concerning part is that Machado is showing early signs of decline, all while playing under a massive, backloaded 11-year, $350 million extension that runs through 2033. His contract has already limited San Diego’s payroll flexibility as they try to keep pace with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) © David Frerker-Imagn Images

If anyone can turn it around, it is Machado. He is a seven-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner and three-time Silver Slugger across 15 MLB seasons.

During Monday's series opener against the Chicago Cubs, he was in the midst of one of his best games of the year, going 3-for-4 and scoring all three times he reached base. Unfortunately, his night ended abruptly.

After grounding out in the bottom of the sixth inning, Machado was replaced to begin the top of the seventh. Gavin Sheets entered the game at first base, while Ty France shifted over to the vacated spot at third.

After the game, Padres manager Craig Stammen spoke with reporters and announced a positive update on Machado's status. "Manny's fine. We took him out as a precaution," Stammen said. He also added that the club will see how he is feeling tomorrow and evaluate him moving forward.

Craig Stammen discussed tonight's win, the fair ball call in the 9th inning, Ty France's big game & why Manny Machado exited the game early:

"Manny's fine. We took him out as a precaution." Stammen added that they'll see how he's feeling tomorrow and evaluate him going forward. pic.twitter.com/isvqNvNP9X
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) April 28, 2026

Machado likely suffered the injury while running to first base. If he is forced to land on the 10-day injured list, it would be a tough blow for a Padres team that is just beginning to find its rhythm in April and pushing the rival Los Angeles Dodgers early in the division race.

Machado remains an important clubhouse presence, even as age-related regression begins to show. With the Padres trying to build momentum, they need their captain healthy and producing, making his recovery from this latest setback all the more important.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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