SAN DIEGO -- The Padres are going to the playoffs. The only real uncertainty is whether they will face the Chicago Cubs in a three-game wild card series at Wrigley Field, host the Cubs at Petco Park, or perhaps just win the National League West.
Ahead of the series openers versus the Milwaukee Brewers, Manny Machado was asked about going to Chicago to face the Cubs in the wild card. That would appear to be their most likely path, with the Cubs holding a three-game lead over the Padres for the top wild card spot.
"You're way far ahead of me, "said Machado. "I'm still trying to win this division, we've still got a chance. Hopefully we'll be hosting."
Machado was reminded of the Dodgers three-game lead over the Padres in the NL West, which is technically four after they won the season series.
"I love that. I love that you have you doubts. I love doubters, I've dealt with that my entire career."
For any of those home scenarios to happen, the Padres need to do something they haven't done as of late, go on a real run. Their final regular-homestand kicks off with three games against the Milwaukee Brewers, who own the best record in baseball, and the Arizona Diamondbacks, who may very well have nothing left to play for when they visit Petco Park on Friday. The Cubs finish at home with three games versus the desperate New York Mets and three with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Dodgers, whose magic number to win the NL West stands at three, finishes on the road at the Arizona Diamondbacks and sizzling Seattle Mariners.
La Regadera leads off on his bobblehead night. pic.twitter.com/WxNOKNU2Tx
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 22, 2025
Notable
The Padres are without two of their starting outfielders in Monday's game versus the Brewers. Manager Mike Shildt say Ramon Laureano has a scheduled off-day and Fernando Tatís is dealing with an illness.
"Tati isn't feeling great, didn't wake up feeling good," said Shildt. "So we're getting him checked out."
Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who was placed on the injured list on August 29 with a fractured left foot, took batting practice on the field Monday and went through an "extensive" baseball workout. Shildt says he looked fantastic and is expected to be activated on Tuesday.
Quotable
"He's one of the best competitors that this game has ever seen or witnessed. So we're losing a legend and he's leaving on top. It's awesome to be able to have worn the same uniform as him, play behind him, and see him firsthand how he goes about his business. I think that was pretty cool to watch and witness and to be on the same field as a legend. Those don't come around too often. Obviously he's one of the best to ever do it in the game. To see it firsthand, to hit a couple of homers off a legend, is pretty cool as well. What an amazing career he's had. Like I told him, wishing him nothing but the best moving forward and hopefully our paths cross once again."
- Manny Machado on the retiring Clayton Kershaw.