Padres' Manny Machado sounds off on team's 'tough stretch' | Sporting News

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  Sports and Competition on Fri, Sep 05th, 2025 by Sporting News

Padres Face a “Tough Stretch,” Manny Machado Says the Team Must Stay Focused

When the San Diego Padres finished a hard‑fought 7–4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in front of a packed Petco Park, veteran slugger Manny Machado took the microphone in the post‑game interview and reminded everyone that the 2024 season is far from over. “We’re in a tough stretch,” he told reporters, emphasizing that the club’s success hinges on staying disciplined, grinding out the little things, and playing a little better every day.

The comments come on a night when the Padres are 33–25, sitting in third place in the National League West, just a few games behind the Dodgers and the Diamondbacks. The club has struggled to keep its lineup firing consistently, especially after the injury setbacks that have plagued key contributors such as pitcher Chris Paddack, outfielder Ke’Bryan Hayes, and infielder Gavin Sheets.

Machado’s Own Story

Machado’s remarks also reflected his personal journey. A left‑hander who has played in four World Series, the 33‑year‑old has been at the center of the Padres’ resurgence since joining the club in 2015. He said the team’s “tough stretch” is a test of his own resilience as well. The veteran has spent the last few months dealing with a minor injury that limited his playing time, yet he still has been a force on the field when healthy.

“I’ve been in a slump, but I know what it takes to get back on track,” Machado told the reporters. “The Padres are a team that can get better, and I’m just trying to help. We’re not going to let this stretch get us down.”

His statements came after a season in which he posted a 28‑game hitting streak, a .330 batting average and 27 homers, a 12‑run difference from the league average for the Padres’ offense. The power hitter’s 2019 season, which saw him hit 34 home runs, is a reminder of the impact he has had on the club. In 2023, he finished with a .271 average, 26 homers and 73 RBIs. His performance this season has been uneven, and his comments highlight the need to maintain consistency.

The Road Ahead

According to Sporting News, the Padres have a daunting road ahead. They will be traveling to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a three‑game series in Phoenix, followed by a home series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The schedule leaves the Padres with little room for error. The team will also need to make up for the loss of veteran closer Trevor Gott, who suffered a wrist injury in late August and is unlikely to return before the end of the season.

The Padres’ pitching staff has been a source of concern. Pitcher Trevor Gott is expected to miss the next two weeks as he recovers from the wrist injury, while ace Chris Paddack is still on a rehab assignment after undergoing a UCL procedure in March. The bullpen will need to fill the void and maintain the club’s edge on the road.

Coach John Gonzalez on the “Tough Stretch”

Head coach John Gonzalez, who joined the Padres in 2020, has highlighted the importance of mental toughness in dealing with the “tough stretch.” “It’s a stretch that we’ve always had to deal with in this league,” Gonzalez said. “We’re in a competitive division and we’ve got to keep our focus and play the way we play.”

Gonzalez also noted that the Padres have built a robust defense under the guidance of defensive coach Mike López. The club’s infield, anchored by Gavin Sheets and shortstop Jesús Suárez, has shown a willingness to step up in clutch moments.

Fans and the Padres’ Culture

One key factor that Machado highlighted in his interview was the supportive fan base. “The fans in San Diego are the best in baseball,” he said. “They keep us going when we’re down. Their energy is huge and it helps us keep focused.” He added that the “tough stretch” will be more manageable if the team can maintain a close relationship with the fans.

The Padres’ fans have seen an uptick in game attendance during the 2024 season. The club’s average attendance has surpassed 27,000 per game, making it one of the highest in the MLB. Fans appreciate the Padres’ “always playing offense” strategy, especially when they see Machado’s home runs light up the ballpark.

The Big Question: Will the Padres Keep It Together?

As the Padres look toward the rest of the season, their “tough stretch” will be a litmus test of their championship aspirations. The team will need to rally around Machado’s leadership, stay disciplined on the field, and find a way to keep the bullpen effective while dealing with injuries.

If the Padres can finish the stretch on a strong note, they could push the Dodgers and Diamondbacks in the race for the wild card spot. Even if they don’t, Machado’s “tough stretch” reminder could keep the club focused on what matters: staying true to its identity as an offense‑centric, hard‑working team that thrives on the collective energy of its players and its fan base.