“It’s about what this team can do day in and day out” - Manny Machado dismisses Padres' playoff "expectations" despite team's All-Star dominance

Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres find themselves in the mix for the postseason thanks to their 49-46 record. Despite trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers for the division lead by 7.5 games, the Friars will undoubtedly be in the hunt for a Wild Card spot in the National League by the time the fall comes around.

Even though the team, including Manny Machado, may not want to hear about the playoff expectations surrounding the club, it is clear that the pressure is there. Thanks to a star-studded roster that features the aforementioned Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez, it is clear that the fans and front office desire to reach the playoffs this year.

"The Padres have 5 All-Stars, tying the second most in franchise history. Jackson Merrill — the youngest Padre to make an All-Star team — was the fifth one in that group to learn of his selection. Mike Shildt made him wait. And then? 'Full excitement.'" - @AJCassavell

The team is clearly built for the postseason, especially because it will have five members on the roster representing the Padres at the 2024 All-Star Game. Jackson Merrill, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jurickson Profar, Luis Arraez and Robert Suarez will all make their way to Arlington, Texas for the All-Star festivities.

That being said, despite having a heavy presence during the All-Star Game, Manny Machado does not want to hear about the San Diego Padres' playoff expectations.

"I don't like the word expectations," Machado told MLB insider Marty Caswell during a locker room interview. "We expect to go out and win every single day, nobody wants to be a loser," the veteran infielder continued.

"Manny Machado was asked about playoff expectations for the Padres, especially with them having 5 All-Stars" - @973TheFanSD

"At the end of the day, it’s about what this team can do day in and day out,” Machado continued about the team's approach to the season. "We just got to go out there and compete."

Manny Machado will miss the All-Star Game for the second consecutive season

The San Diego Padres will have a menagerie of players representing them during the All-Star Game, however, Machado will not be one of them. The six-time All-Star is having a bit of a down season this year and as a result, will not be participating in the festivities.

Despite the San Diego Padres sitting second in the National League West, Manny Machado has struggled to produce near his career norms. Through 87 games this season, Machado has posted a .263 batting average with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs. Even though those are solid numbers, they are not enough to earn an All-Star selection this year.