The San Diego Padres are about to complete a spectacular one-year turnaround, and many supporters believe they are ready for a deep postseason run. Their solid bullpen is getting a lot of attention, and for good reason, but this team remains heavily reliant on its established studs. Manny Machado, in particular, continues to raise the Friars’ expectations with his hot hitting.
The six-time All-Star has eight multi-hit games in September, batting.318 with six home runs and 21 RBIs. While other playoff-bound teams slog through the final stretch of the season, Machado is helping the Padres gain momentum. He is just one home run away from his third 30-home run, 100-RBI season.
Because other players are putting up higher stats, it’s easy to miss the 32-year-old third baseman. However, there are still many people who are ensuring that he receives a fair part of the spotlight.
“He’s locked… he’s one of the best players in the game when he’s right,” veteran utility man and current MLB Network commentator Mark DeRosa remarked on MLB Central, analyzing Machado’s smooth swing. That notion is impossible to disagree, and if it stays true through October, the Padres might win their first National League pennant in 26 years.
Machado has been one of the most consistent offensive forces in 2024, following a fairly poor season in which he slashed.258/.319/.462/.782 (despite hitting 30 home runs). His.279 batting average matches his lifetime total, and his.484 slugging percentage is consistent with his entire body of work. Despite some injury difficulties, Machado remains the Padres’ go-to guy.
San Diego is banking on him to continue displaying the same flawless mechanics that have Mark DeRosa waxing poetic. This should not be an issue against the lowly Chicago White Sox. Another victory will get Manny Machado and the organization closer to their first World Series triumph.
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