Friars On Base
Fansided

Manny Machado injury: 3 Padres players who need to step up in his absence

By Rylie Smith

May 5, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) gestures towards the Padres dugout after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) gestures towards the Padres dugout after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
San Diego Padres catcher Austin Nola
SAN DIEGO, CA – JUNE 20: Austin Nola #26 of the San Diego Padres walks to the dugout before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 20, 2022 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) /

San Diego Padres catcher Austin Nola

Padres catcher Austin Nola has had much stronger seasons than he’s currently having. He’s never been the strongest hitter with the Padres, but last season he hit fairly well at .272/.340/.376 for an OPS of .716.

This season, he’s started significantly weaker. He had his weakest month this season in April hitting .200/.282/.267 and has gotten slightly stronger over May and June. He’s on a good track toward doing well, but he must maintain his performance.

Despite improving numbers now, he still hasn’t done enough to stand out as a strong offensive player. He’s not hitting with nearly as much power as he has been the past three seasons.

Next. 2 former Padres who are struggling and 1 who isn't. dark

He has more potential than he’s shown so far this season and could undoubtedly be a key to the team’s success without Machado if he can step up and play his best.

Home/Manny Machado