Padres' Manny Machado Exits Monday's Game vs Cubs in Concerning Development

Apr 17, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) looks on after being called out following an ABS challenge during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images William Liang-Imagn Images

Padres' Manny Machado Exits Monday's Game vs Cubs in Concerning Development

Originally posted on San Diego Padres on SI
By Noah Camras | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 12:11 AM ET

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San Diego Padres All-Star third baseman Manny Machado was removed from Monday night's game against the Chicago Cubs after grounding out in the bottom of the sixth inning.

It's currently unclear why Machado was pulled, but with the Padres leading by one and plenty of time left in the game, it would likely be due to some sort of injury or discomfort.

Gavin Sheets entered the game at first base, while Ty France moved over to third base to replace Machado.

Machao was in the midst of a great game offensively, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored. His bat has been heating up as of late, as he hit two home runs in the Padres' loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Machado hit his 400th career double on Monday night in the bottom of the fifth inning.

¡Manny Machado consiguió su doblete #400 en su carrera en MLB! pic.twitter.com/yubp2YyItH
— MLB Español (@mlbespanol) April 28, 2026

He also made this slick defensive play in the top half of the inning.

Manny Machado makes it look smooth ‍ pic.twitter.com/baHYyuHRBy
— MLB (@MLB) April 28, 2026

Including Machado's three-hit night on Monday, the third baseman is hitting .232 this season with an OPS of .742. He now has hits in five straight games, including multiple hits in three of them.

He said Sunday that he hoped his success in Mexico City was a sign of things to come.

“I hope so, for sure,” Machado said. “I’ve been working on it. Still hitting it hard right at people, not getting the results. But it felt pretty good to get two over the fence.”

Padres Can't Afford a Manny Machado Injury

The Padres don't currently have a clear everyday backup at third base for Machado.

France can technically play the position, as he is in relief of Machado on Monday, but he's much better at first base, where he won a Gold Glove last year.

Miguel Andujar can also play third base, as he did this year when Machado got a day off, but he's a below-average defender.

If Machado was forced to spend time on the injured list, infielder Sung-Mun Song would likely get an opportunity.

Song joined the Padres on a four-year, $15 million deal this offseason. An oblique injury forced him to open the season on the injured list, and France's emergence has blocked him from getting an opportunity on the big league roster.

Song did get called up as the 27th man for the Mexico City Series, and made his MLB debut on Sunday as a pinch-runner. He was optioned back to Triple-A on Monday.

This article first appeared on San Diego Padres on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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