Padres Make Manny Machado Decision Before Diamondbacks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 6:02 PM ET

The San Diego Padres are heading to the postseason in back-to-back seasons after another successful campaign under manager Mike Shildt. Manny Machado has continued to operate as a clubhouse leader and a focal point in the Padres’ lineup in his seventh season with the organization.

Machado earned his third All-Star selection (seventh overall) as a member of the Padres after a stellar first half. Over 158 games this year, the 32-year-old veteran has posted a .272 batting average, .333 on-base percentage, .786 OPS, 26 home runs and 93 RBIs, operating primarily as the third hitter in the batting order. He has continued to dominate with his approach at the plate and excellent defense.

Ahead of the Padres’ matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Shildt decided to leave Machado out of the starting lineup, with Jose Iglesias taking over at third base.

This marks just the third game Machado has missed all season, as the third baseman has remained committed to playing every day, even in his 14th major-league season.

Sábado de béisbol. pic.twitter.com/NysPTPjxIt
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 27, 2025

Shildt’s decision to give Machado a day off likely stems from a couple reasons. Machado has really struggled since August began. Over his last 49 games, he owns a .207 batting average, .268 on-base percentage, .600 OPS and just twelve total extra-base hits. With the playoffs approaching on Tuesday, the veteran could use a day off to reset his swing.

Hours before gametime, the Chicago Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals, solidifying their hold on the top NL wild card spot. As a result, the outcome of San Diego’s final two games no longer matters—the Padres are locked into the No. 5 seed and will travel to Chicago for the wild card round.

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

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