"To see him healthy, it's great for this team": Manny Machado excited with Joe Musgrove's return and praises Jackson Merrill's defensive attributes

Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres are just 3.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (71-49), who are tied with the Cleveland Guardians for the best record in the majors. Monday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates saw the return of Joe Musgrove, who pitched 4.1 scoreless innings in a 2-1 victory.

Musgrove last pitched in a May 26 game against the Yankees, after which he was sidelined from throwing for a month owing to inflammation and triceps tendinitis in his pitching elbow. Ahead of Tuesday's game against the Pirates, Machado talked about his return.

"Just having him out there was a huge present for us as a ball club," Machado said in a pre-game interview inside the Padres locker room. "And to see him healthy, it's great for this team. So he threw the ball well as well. So having him back up there and healthy is gonna be a big, big part of this team and this rotation."

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Manny Machado praises Jackson Merrill for learning a new position in the outfield

MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at San Diego Padres - Source: Imagn

Machado also talked about Jackson Merrill, one of the contenders for NL Rookie of the Year this season. Despite being drafted as a shortstop in 2021, Merril came into spring training and embraced a new position at centerfield. Moreover, during the entire regular season thus far, he has looked natural and comfortable.

"It's tough, it's not easy. I think a lot of guys don't really realize that. He came into spring training trying to compete for a left field job, and even to play shortstop. I think it was both sides. Then we got to spring training, and they said, 'Hey, you're going to play center field.' So, he had to learn a new position," Machado said.

"It's hard, and to do it at the big league level is even harder. Everyone here appreciates what he's been doing day in and day out—the work he puts into his game to get better every single day."

Machado himself is having a good year, slashing .269/.318/.444, logging in 18 home runs, 68 RBIs and six stolen bases.

The Padres are in a tough situation, with the Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks both positioned well to make the postseason. Padres themselves, too, at the moment, seem to be locked for one of the three wild card spots, currently 4.0 games ahead at the position.

With positive signs and an atmosphere within the clubhouse, they can finally do something big this postseason. However, in order to get there, they must continue their good form.