Manny Machado breaks out of slump with monumental home run

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado. David Frerker-Imagn Images

Padres' Manny Machado breaks out of slump with monumental home run

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated May 9, 2026 11:56 PM ET

As the San Diego Padres evened up their weekend series with the St. Louis Cardinals, they did it while a starting player reached a major milestone.

In the midst of his eight seasons with San Diego, Manny Machado hit his 200th home run in a Padres uniform on Saturday. Machado crushed a pitch to deep left field in the eighth inning, providing an insurance run and creating the eventual final score of 4-2.

The solo shot was Macaho's sixth long ball and 19th RBI of the season. He now has 375 home runs in his 15-year career.

Manny Machado's monumental home run helped him break out of a slump

And even more important than the career accomplishment, the home run helped Machado break out of a slump.

He entered the day without even a hit in five-straight games. The monumental home run was Machado's only hit on Saturday, keeping his average below. 200 at .197 and his OBP at .303.

Manny Machado's 200th home run in a @Padres uniform pic.twitter.com/RD5ApbTq0w
— MLB (@MLB) May 10, 2026

But to the Padres' credit, they have been able to win on a consistent basis despite Machado's struggles at the plate. With their most recent win, San Diego is now 23-16 and only 1.5 games back of the defending back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Machado is due for a hot steak at the plate

It's also only a matter of time until Machado enjoys a heater. He's hit at least 27 home runs (his 2025 total) in every season since the 202 COVID-19 shortened season. He also hit .275 in each of the past two years.

A seven-time All-Star, including three representing the Padres, Machado, 33, has 2,095 hits, 1,104 runs scored, 1,163 RBIs, 400 doubles and 114 stolen bases in addition to his 375 career home runs during time spent with the Baltimore Orioles, Dodgers and Padres. He's been honored as a Silver Slugger three times and a Gold Glove winner at third base twice.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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