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The San Diego Padres came into the 2023 season with perhaps the highest expectations of any team in MLB. Their star studded roster was supposed to be an offensive powerhouse on a level rarely before seen in the annals of baseball history. Instead, they look like a solid baseball team with strengths and weaknesses like any other. But they weren't supposed to be a team like any other.
Manny Machado is well aware of the slow start his team has had this season. He has been a part of that slow start, having a batting average of .239 and just one home run thus far. Machado has been a team leader for the San Diego Padres for some time and will likely feel the pressure mounting. Part of that pressure is coming from the team's own fans who demand nothing short of excellence.
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Padres beat reporter AJ Cassavell shared comments from Machado regarding the fan's reaction to their slow start on Twitter.
"I'd rather this happen now than down the road... It's just: Don't jump on the bandwagon later on when we start f***ng raking and we're doing what we're supposed to be doing" - Manny Machado
The San Diego Padres' slow start could be due to a number of reasons, but the sample size is simply too small so far. One definite concern has been the play of Juan Soto, who looks like a shell of himself at the plate. He currently has a batting average of .164 and an on-base percentage of .346. He is getting on base at a solid rate, but not advancing runners like he has in the past.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale contextualized Soto's struggles to find his offense on Twitter.
"The San Diego Padres keep waiting for the real Juan Soto to show up" - Bob Nightengale
The Padres and Manny Machado expect their offense to hit its stride soon and reach its full potential.
Fernando Tatis Jr. will be returning to the San Diego Padres just in time
When Fernando Tatis Jr. returns to the Padres later this week, he will have a critical role to play in solving their offensive woes. When healthy, he is one of the most electric players in all of baseball and will be playing with something to prove.
If Tatis Jr. is able to bring the Padres some positive energy and the occasional home run, the team will be one of the best in the National League. Then, Manny Machado's message to the doubters will come to fruition.
