Padres News: Manny Machado Pulled From Lineup Ahead of Big Dodgers Series

Picking & choosing their battles.

First, it was Xander Bogaerts who was able to take the day off on Tuesday as the San Diego Padres fell to the Cincinnati Reds 2-1. He had been battling sickness for some time and the coaching staff thought it'd be best for him to sit out against a struggling NL Central squad.

Now it will be Manny Machado who will be granted the opportunity to get some well-deserved rest in their Wednesday rematch, the final game of their series.

Today’s lineup for the Padres. Day off for Manny Machado. pic.twitter.com/36UJjOwGz2

— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) May 3, 2023

The timing here is what is very interesting. The Friars already have a day off tomorrow before they face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time this season at home all weekend.

We all know what happened last time they ran into the Boys in Blue... it was the 2022 NL Division Series and San Diego defied all odds to take them down in just four games after losing to them all year in the regular season.

The Gaslamp after the Padres beat the Dodgers in Game 4 of the NLDS pic.twitter.com/qDMlivtIq8

— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) December 18, 2022

Even though we barely wrapped up the first month of this season, a ton of eyes are going to be on this series once it rolls around. It's super important that the Padres make a statement as they did last year and even though their offense has struggled initially, there is no better time to perform than this weekend.

And this is where Manny Machado comes in. His numbers haven't been too hot in 2023 either as he is currently slashing .235/.281/.378 and has connected on just four runs. But he has followed the trend of the rest of his teammates and has been seeing more success at the plate in this recent stretch of games.

With Bogaerts back in the lineup for today's game against the Reds, it's important Machado gets his mind and body ready for this upcoming series against a division rival. It is also his former team so even more reason to show out.