Padres Notes: Pads Drop Series Finale, Rookie Has a Teammate's Wife's Attention, Can Manny Machado Reach 500?

J.P. Hoornstra | Aug 22, 2024

Aug 21, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Matt Waldron (61) walks to the dugout during the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres lost to the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, 11-4, as Matt Waldron endured another tough start.

The Padres host the New York Mets for four games beginning Thursday. Here's all the headines you might have missed:

Michael King's Wife Fascinated by Rookie Jackson Merrill

San Diego Padres rookie sensation Jackson Merrill has made significant waves — so much so that even Michael King's wife, Sheila, is constantly texting about his performances. Merrill's impactful games have placed him as a strong contender for the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year award. It makes for an interesting intra-team dynamic.

Can Manny Machado Reach 500 Home Runs?

Manny Machado, the San Diego Padres' star third baseman, is on a trajectory that could see him join the elite 500-home run club. The question is not when, but if he can reach this significant milestone. Fox Sports dove deeper into Machado's stats and the likelihood of him achieving this feat.

Jackson Merrill's Politeness Belies His Stardom

In another highlight, rookie Jackson Merrill not only demonstrated his skills but also his character. His respectful behavior toward the Padres' staff early in the day was punctuated a key performance with a bases-clearing double that same night against the Minnesota Twins, underscoring his impact on and off the field.

Padres Tweets of the Day

#Padres’ Jeremiah Estrada loves to build. He used to build Legos with his brother before they were separated as kids & cherishes those memories. He saw cool statues in Korea & was told of a store in SD that sold model kits. He went, but had no idea what he was looking for. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/GaeAhiccTt

— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) August 22, 2024

Jeremiah never intended for any attention from this. He had gone to the store with the intention of shopping for himself. Luke’s mom put the story out (above) and Jeremiah answered the questions when asked.

The end! Be nice to someone today you scoundrels

— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) August 22, 2024

Mason McCoy with his first career @MLB hit! pic.twitter.com/DfcTH5l0Yh

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 22, 2024

There’s no place quite like @PetcoPark 💛#ForTheFaithful pic.twitter.com/vKsziNWAge

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 21, 2024

This is a paperwork move: Tatis to the 60 day IL opens spot for McCoy on 40-man roster. Tatis will have been out longer than 60 days when he’s ready to return. https://t.co/2ZXfhu7RkR

— Jeff Sanders (@sdutSanders) August 21, 2024

Final: Twins 11, Padres 4

Minnesota rocked Matt Waldron for 10 runs, tying the most allowed by a pitcher at Petco Park. After three excellent months, Waldron has allowed 22 runs in his past three starts. Padres settle for two of three. Up next, the Mets come to town for four.

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) August 22, 2024