Manny Machado reveals unlikely source behind latest plate approach

San Diego Padres star Manny Machado has never been shy about giving credit where it’s due. But after launching a third-inning home run against Giants right-hander Landen Roupp earlier this week, he pointed to an unlikely source of inspiration in the dugout, and specifically Yu Darvish.

After the game, Machado joined Jon Morosi from MLB Network and peeled back the curtain on the moment. The blast, he admitted, wasn’t just about seeing the ball well or sticking to his game plan. It came from a piece of advice Darvish shared before the at-bat.

Manny Machado credits surprise mentor for home run against Giants

"Darvish, he’s been giving me tips and tales on my approach," Machado explained. “Sometimes you’ve got to listen to these guys who watch a lot of video."

That acknowledgment raised eyebrows, and for good reason. Darvish is known across baseball as a "pitching wizard," with one of the deepest arsenals in the game and a relentless commitment to preparation. But Machado’s comments revealed something fans and even some teammates might not fully appreciate: Darvish isn’t just preparing himself, he’s preparing everyone around him.

According to Machado, Darvish spends more time than anyone in the clubhouse breaking down film. He’s constantly sharing notes, suggesting mechanical tweaks, and offering insight into how hitters can anticipate what an opposing pitcher might try to do.

Morosi asked Machado what Darvish specifically offers a hitter like him at the plate. Machado answered wisely, without giving too much away. But still gave Darvish his flowers with the response.

"I mean, he’s smart — one of the smartest guys we have on our team. He spends hours nitpicking hitters’ approaches. I don’t think there’s anyone on our team who does more reports than he does."

While Darvish hasn’t said anything about coaching once his playing career is over, speculation has followed him for years. With his encyclopedic knowledge of pitching and his willingness to share it, many believe he’d be a natural fit in the dugout when the time comes. For now, though, the Padres are happy to have him both on the mound and in the film room, quietly shaping approaches that lead to game-changing swings like Machado’s.

So while the box score will simply credit Machado with another home run, the story behind it highlights something bigger. They’re finding one of their best resources sitting right there on their own bench — a 39-year-old pitching guru who just might have a second career waiting for him after he throws his last pitch.

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