Jul 2, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; San Diego Padres third base Manny Machado (13) and outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) high five after a victory against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – San Diego Padres fans got some good news on Wednesday, even as the team’s up-and-down week continued in Philadelphia. Third baseman Manny Machado will start for the National League in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, marking his third All-Star nod as a Padre and the seventh of his career. He won the fan vote in a tight race over the Dodgers’ Max Muncy and will represent the Padres in the Midsummer Classic on July 15 in Atlanta.
Machado’s selection comes in the middle of another quietly strong season. Heading into Game 2 of Wednesday’s doubleheader, he was slashing .292/.355/.477 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI — the last three coming in the opening game of the twin bill, when his bases-clearing double powered San Diego to a 6-4 win.
That win gave Padres fans a glimpse of what this team can be when the lineup and pitching sync up. Nick Pivetta turned in seven strong innings, allowing just one run and striking out six to pick up his ninth win of the season. The 32-year-old right-hander has found a second wind in San Diego and is off to the best start of his nine-year career. His dominance continued despite having his scheduled Canada Day start pushed back due to Tuesday’s rainout — an unfortunate break for a proud Canadian, but a necessary one as the Padres look to stay alive in a crowded NL wild card picture.
The game’s pivotal moment came in the ninth inning. With the Phillies threatening and the tying run at the plate, Robert Suarez struck out Kyle Schwarber to secure his 24th save of the season.
Game 2, however, didn’t go San Diego’s way. Padres starter Dylan Cease surrendered four runs over six innings, including home runs to Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh. The offense struggled to get anything going against Phillies lefty Cristopher Sánchez, who held San Diego to just one run over seven innings. Jackson Merrill drove in that lone run with an RBI single in the fourth, but the bats stayed quiet after that. The 5-1 loss gave the Phillies the series win.
The Padres have now dropped four of their last six games and continue to search for consistency. They’ll get a day off Thursday before returning home to face the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers for a three-game set at Petco Park beginning Friday night.
Machado’s All-Star nod is a well-earned honor and a bright spot in a season full of tight races, small margins, and big expectations. With the break approaching, San Diego hopes to build momentum and climb back into playoff position — and maybe send a few more players to Atlanta with Machado.
