Padres Make Unexpected Manny Machado Decision Before Rockies Game

With concerns mounting over whether Machado can break out of his slump, Padres manager Mike Shildt had resisted giving him a day off, and Machado made it clear he wanted to stay in the lineup every day.

However, ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the Colorado Rockies, Machado was notably absent — his first missed game of the season after appearing in the team’s first 149 contests.

On Friday, Shildt spoke to the media and said that if he were to leave Machado out of the lineup amid his prolonged struggles, it would be a conversation between the two.

“He’s coming out the last couple of days to work on his stroke. He’s a big part of how we compete. He goes through the ebbs and flows of it. We’ll continue to have conversations about what his work looks like and what his availability on the field looks like,” Shildt said.

Machado may have been more willing to take a day off after a strong performance on Saturday, going 2-for-3 with a walk, home run and three RBIs. With the Padres also having an off day Monday, his removal effectively gives him two days off his feet before the final two weeks of the regular season.

Machado’s overall numbers are still impressive, and he’ll look to continue the momentum if he returns to the lineup on Tuesday.