Padres News: Manny Machado Investing In His Body To Prolong Playing Career

Machado values physical health as the key to long-term success.

Padres' star third baseman Manny Machado has made it loud and clear that he plans to be in the MLB for a lot longer than he already has. Having burst into stardom with the Baltimore Orioles, he brought a certain play-style and demeanor that fans couldn't help but admire.

Arriving to San Diego in 2019, Machado carried that same mentality as he looked to fight for more wins as his 30's loomed. With Fernando Tatis Jr. quickly improving every single season, the future of the Friars looked very bright. However, Tatis would be ruled out the entire 2022 season and Machado was left to carry the offense on his own. He fully embraced the challenge and led the Padres to 89 wins while also posting an impressive MVP campaign.

Chants of “MVP!” as Manny Machado greets the crowd! pic.twitter.com/w6zJ552cPB

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) October 24, 2022

Through all of his success last season, Machado's biggest obstacle he had to face was a grade-3 ankle sprain against the Colorado Rockies in June. The entire franchise thought their playoff hopes were doomed but the superstar defied all odds and missed less than ten games.

Nonetheless, this was a wake-up call for Machado and he knows that if the injury was worse, it could have cost him the extension he just received not too long ago. In a recent interview with the San Diego-Union Tribune, the slugger discussed how he's learned to monitor his health and the importance of keeping up with it.

Update from the clubhouse: Manny Machado exited today’s game with a left ankle sprain. X-rays were negative.

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) June 19, 2022

“You gotta invest in your body so your body can be the best at all times,” said Machado. “This is our job. This is what pays the bills. ... The body is what’s going to give you the best opportunity to make it to the big leagues, to become a superstar, to be that person. I learned that at a young age, and I’ve just continued to do it.”

Friars fans should be very excited to hear Machado's plans for this next stage of his career. Without a doubt, he is a Padre for life and is taking the necessary steps to ensure he'll perform up to standards.