Padres' Manny Machado Addresses Offensive Struggles in Awkward Interview Moment
Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres dropped to 29-19 following their Tuesday night loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. With each team at one win, they enter a Wednesday rubber match to decide the three-game series.
Despite the loss, Machado put together a solid performance. In four at-bats, he recorded one home run, one run scored and two RBIs. His two-run home run in the first inning tied the game up 2-2, before the eventual 5-4 loss.
However, that kind of productivity hasn't been the norm for the third baseman to begin the 2026 MLB season. In 46 games, he is slashing .182/.277/.339 with a .616 OPS.
His poor performance is a prime example of why the Padres' offense ranks 30th in batting average (.222), 29th in on-base percentage (.294) and tied for 26th in slugging percentage (.370).
Following the loss, Machado had a tense exchange with a reporter who asked about the seven-time All-Star's lack of production at the plate.
"It's been tough… I'm a baseball player, not a theorist," Machado said. "You got something for me?"
"It's been tough... I'm a baseball player, I'm not a theorist."
— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) May 20, 2026
Manny Machado on what's going on with his offensive struggles. "@FriarTerritorypic.twitter.com/v2glLXDUgB
Machado isn't the only star in San Diego failing to live up to expectations. Outfielders Ramon Laureano (.659 OPS), Fernando Tatis Jr. (.585 OPS) and Jackson Merrill (.599 OPS) are all struggling on offense.
However, the three-time Silver Slugger, who has had an OPS above .750 in 12 straight seasons (2014 to 2025), is held to a high standard. Now over two months into the season, the Padres need Machado to return to normal form to remain contenders in a competitive National League.
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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 1:09 PM.