GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Manny Machado is scheduled to participate in one more Cactus League game on Friday before leaving for the World Baseball Classic (WBC), using these final outings to build stamina for the tournament. After three consecutive days playing, Machado’s timing is showing signs of improvement as he prepares for meaningful competition next month.
The 33-year-old third baseman recorded his first two hits of the spring in the Padres’ narrow 11-10 loss to the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark on Thursday. Machado’s initial hit was a two-run homer to left-center off Nick Sando in the third inning, leveling the score. He later launched a grand slam to center field off Graham Ashcraft in the sixth inning, again tying the game.
Progress and Confidence Growing in Machado’s Swing
Before his home runs, Machado was hitless in his first five at-bats of the spring but had drawn three walks, including one in the first inning. His breakthrough in the fourth game of the Cactus League has been encouraging as he works to regain his rhythm.
The body feels good, Machado said.
I think that’s the most important (thing).
Machado, alongside Fernando Tatis Jr., played in consecutive road games and appeared in three games in a row as part of a carefully planned approach coordinated with Team Dominican Republic ahead of the WBC. Xander Bogaerts is following a similar schedule with the Padres, planning to participate in Friday’s game in Scottsdale and an additional contest before departing for Team Netherlands on March 1.
Padres manager Craig Stammen highlighted Machado’s desire to continue accruing at-bats as he refines his swing.
(Manny) wanted the at-bats; he wants a few more at-bats,
Stammen said.
He’s been working with his swing a little bit, getting in the right spot today, clicked a little bit. So, you know, as long as tomorrow clicks, he’s in good shape.
Pitching Updates and Focus on Endurance
In pitching news, Nick Pivetta made his Cactus League debut on Thursday, throwing 38 pitches with 22 strikes over two innings before exiting. While he issued two walks and allowed three runs, all coming from Will Banfield’s bases-loaded double, the performance is seen as part of building endurance early in the season.
Pivetta remains optimistic after his outing. Felt good, body feels healthy, he said.
I think that’s the most important thing. I would like to command the strike zone a little bit better and put away that guy hit the double. But other than that, just to come away healthy, feeling good, strong, happy with that.
As a potential opening day starter, Pivetta’s focus on maintaining health and strength is key following a successful previous season.
Team Japan Adjusts Roster Due to Injury Concerns
Team Japan announced a roster change on Thursday, replacing left-hander Yuki Matsui with Chunichi left-hander Yumeto Kanemaru for the World Baseball Classic. Matsui had shown groin tightness last week, cutting a live batting practice short after about 20 pitches, putting his readiness into question.
Although Matsui has resumed throwing catch, he is not yet throwing from the mound, which makes his availability for the opening day uncertain. His priority remains to be fully prepared for the season.
Matsui expressed his frustration through interpreter Ike Ogata.
It’s pretty disappointing,
Matsui said.
I didn’t do so well at the last WBC and I was looking forward to playing for this one. But that’s not the only thing. It’s baseball, and I’m kind of trying to move on to get the best preparation for the season and play for the Padres.
Though Matsui pitched earlier in pool play during the 2023 tournament, he appeared only once during the final rounds, while teammates Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki bore much of the workload during Japan’s championship run. Matsui, now 30, has a 3.98 ERA over his first two major league seasons.
Additional Padres Player Recovering After Surgery
Right-hander Matt Waldron, who underwent hemorrhoid surgery, has returned to Padres camp and has begun playing catch. However, there is no clear timetable for his return to full activity.
“As far as moving around, running, fielding, all that kind of stuff, probably not yet,”
Stammen said.
That’ll come when he starts feeling a little bit better and ready to move around a little bit more.
Expectations Ahead of the Tournament
Manny Machado’s improving performance and readiness are key for the Padres and Team Dominican Republic as the World Baseball Classic approaches. Along with teammates like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts, Machado’s ability to find his rhythm will be closely watched in the coming weeks. Pitchers like Nick Pivetta also hold importance, as their health and early-season form may impact the Padres’ success in the upcoming campaign.
Team Japan’s roster adjustment and Matsui’s current condition highlight how injuries could influence tournament outcomes. Meanwhile, Mario Waldron’s cautious recovery shows the Padres are balancing player health with preparation intensity.
As the tournament draws nearer, Machado’s progress signals promising potential for his debut on the international stage, making his Manny Machado WBC readiness an important storyline to follow.
