In an irregular year for the San Diego Padres, Manny Machado has reached a milestone that puts him in an exclusive category within baseball. During the victory against the Colorado Rockies, the Dominican hit his 25th home run of the season, a figure that aligns him with two of the most feared sluggers in MLB such as Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber.
This achievement, which comes in the midst of a difficult September for both Machado and the team, confirms his offensive consistency. Since 2018, only three players (Judge, Schwarber and Machado) have hit at least 25 home runs in each full season, excluding the short 2020 campaign due to the pandemic.
Manny Machado joins MLB’s elite consistent home run hitters
The key hit came in the bottom of the third inning, with a 4-1 lead, Machado slammed a shot off Bradley Blalock and sent the ball 408 feet to center field. More than a home run, it was a reaffirmation of his status among the league’s great sluggers
This upturn came after a drought in August, when he hit just one home run in 108 at-bats, so Machado seems to have regained his rhythm just in time. “The only thing that matters is winning,” said the player himself after the game. “Having a day off gave me confidence that the team would come out and play and give it their all. And they did.”
Mike Shildt gives his most reliable player a break
A day after reaching this milestone, Machado was removed from the starting lineup for the first time all season. Manager Mike Shildt explained the decision as a necessary pause for one of his most consistent players.
This guy has been the best in over 100 games in a row… It’s good to tell him, ‘Don’t move. Just take the day and get ready to dominate after’
The break coincided with an off day for the entire team on Monday, ahead of a crucial six-game road trip against the New York Mets and Chicago White Sox. While the Padres are still dreaming of the postseason, having Machado on fire could be the deciding factor.
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