Spring training is often a time for easing in, but Manny Machado is on a different timeline. With the World Baseball Classic approaching, Machado is set to leave Padres camp after Friday’s Cactus League game to join Team Dominican Republic. On February 26 in Goodyear, Machado made it clear there’s no time for gradual warm-ups-he’s getting game-ready now.
Machado delivered a two-homer performance that the Padres needed in a hurry. His first two homers of the spring came in an 11-10 loss to the Reds, highlighted by a 422-foot grand slam that reminded everyone just how quickly elite hitters can find their rhythm.
While the homers were impressive, the real story is the ticking clock. Machado had been 0-for-7 in Cactus League play before this breakout, but that wasn't the focus. The goal was to compress the usual spring ramp-up into a few plate appearances, and Machado was still taking swings late into the game because he felt good and wanted more reps.
This urgency is great for both Machado and Team Dominican Republic, but it presents a unique challenge for the Padres. With their franchise leader leaving camp early, it shifts the dynamics and intensity of spring training. Machado’s presence on the field brings a seriousness to the game, and without him, the atmosphere can quickly shift to players fighting for roster spots.
Thursday’s performance was a testament to Machado’s ability to switch on his swing at will, signaling that the Padres might not have to wait until late March for their lineup to heat up. They don’t need Machado to be in midseason form just yet, but if fast-tracking is the strategy, then his two-homer night wasn’t just exciting-it was proof that the plan is working before he heads off to the World Baseball Classic.