Padres News: Manny Machado Confirms He Won’t DH Anymore This Season

Manny should continue to help the Friars out going forward.

The San Diego Padres continue their push toward the postseason as the calendar gets closer to September. It has been a trying season for all involved as the year hasn’t gone as they expected.

San Diego came into the year with high expectations, but at least, so far, they have fallen flat. The team has been scratching and clawing their way back into contention for the entire season, and the clock is ticking on them.

They have seen some injuries throughout, including to-star third baseman Manny Machado. He has been dealing with an elbow injury and hasn’t been in the field that often over the last bit of time. Machado has been serving as the team’s designated hitter, but he now says that is done with.

“I’ll be back on the field for the rest of the year,” he said. “Was just kind of trying to rest up as best as we can and take advantage of these off days. … I think our schedule has been playing out perfect for this.”

Per The SD Union-Tribune

Machado is a key member of how this Padres team operates. Getting his defense back should help this down the line as the season goes on.

“I wanted to be out there today, and Bob said he wanted to give me an extra day and kind of just lead into that off day,” Machado said. “So feeling better and just moving forward.”

Per The SD Union-Tribune

However, this will be something to watch going forward. If he continues to have pain while throwing from third base, the Padres may need to pivot their game plan. 

The Friars need Machado healthy as they make their push toward contention. Without him, they still have the talent, but he is one of their main leaders. Having his bat in the lineup dramatically changes this offense, so they may need to save him from himself.