On July 4, 2025, Padres' Manny Machado is named an All-Star starter! Read how his milestone season earned him the honor before the Padres face the Rangers.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Happy Fourth of July, Friar Faithful! While fireworks are set to light up the sky over Petco Park tonight, the biggest spark of the day came early. Your captain, Manny Machado, has officially been named the National League's starting third baseman for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game! It's a massive, well-deserved honor for the man who continues to be the heartbeat of this team.
He's an anchor of our organization.
It's official: for the seventh time in his career and fourth as a starter, Manny Machado is an All-Star. In a season where he's already surpassed 350 career home runs and is closing in on 2,000 hits, this feels like the perfect recognition. Manny has been the team's most consistent force, leading the Padres in hits, doubles, average (.289), on-base percentage, and slugging, not to mention his team-high 50 RBI. Manager Mike Shildt summed it up perfectly, calling him 'an anchor of our organization.' While Machado is the only Padre voted in as a starter, we're still holding out hope for Fernando Tatis Jr. and Nick Pivetta, who remain in consideration for reserve spots.
With the All-Star buzz setting a positive tone, the Padres (46-40) now turn their attention to the visiting Texas Rangers. The Friars need to translate that good energy into runs. Over the last 10 games, the offense has been sputtering, averaging just 3.0 runs per contest. Tonight's matchup pits Randy Vásquez (3-4, 3.84 ERA) against Rangers rookie Kumar Rocker (3-4, 6.13 ERA), an opportunity the lineup must seize. Keep an eye on Fernando Tatis Jr., who brings a five-game hitting streak into the holiday clash and leads the team with 15 homers. A win tonight would be the perfect way to kick off the second half push.
The front office was busy ahead of the game, making some key moves to bolster the bullpen. The most exciting news is the arrival of Eduarniel Núñez, a 23-year-old righty with a blazing fastball who gets his first-ever call to the big leagues. Núñez has been racking up strikeouts in the minors and could provide a high-octane boost. To make room, the struggling Matt Waldron was optioned to Triple-A El Paso, while Ron Marinaccio was recalled. These moves signal the Padres' commitment to maintaining a flexible and powerful bullpen as they navigate the grind of the season.
Tonight is a night for celebration—for our country, and for our captain, Manny Machado. But it's also a critical inflection point. With a new arm in the bullpen and a prime opportunity to get the bats going against a rookie pitcher, the Padres have a chance to build real momentum. Let's hope the All-Star news is the spark that ignites a Fourth of July victory and a strong second-half surge. Go Padres!
