Padres' Manny Machado Addresses Viral Kicking Incident During Red Sox Game

Machado denies intentionally kicking ball during play, says it was an accident

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

San Diego Padres infielder Manny Machado addressed the viral incident of him kicking the ball during the team's win over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. Machado hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the top of the fifth inning to put the Padres up 6-4, but his most notable play came in the top of the fourth inning when he collided with a throw from Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez, kicking the ball into foul play and allowing himself and teammate Jackson Merrill to advance to second and third bases. Machado denied allegations that he intentionally kicked the ball, saying he was just trying to get out of the way of the low throw.

Why it matters

The incident sparked debate over whether Machado's actions were intentional or accidental, with the Red Sox arguing that he purposely kicked the ball. While the slow motion replay seemed to show Machado pausing for a moment before trying to get back to the base, he maintained that he was simply trying to avoid the throw. The play highlights the ongoing scrutiny and analysis of players' actions, especially in high-profile moments during games.

The details

In the top of the fourth inning, Machado followed hits by Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill with one of his own. Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez then tried to pick Machado off at first base, and he collided with the ball, kicking it into foul play and allowing himself and Merrill to advance to second and third. Both later scored on a two-run single by Nick Castellanos. The Red Sox argued that Machado intentionally kicked the ball, but Machado denied those allegations, saying he was just trying to get out of the way of the low throw.

  • The incident occurred in the top of the fourth inning on April 5, 2026.

The players

Manny Machado

A third baseman for the San Diego Padres who hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the top of the fifth inning to help the Padres win 8-6 over the Boston Red Sox.

Carlos Narváez

The Boston Red Sox catcher who tried to pick Machado off at first base, leading to the collision and kicking incident.

Craig Stammen

The San Diego Padres manager who argued that Machado was not looking at the ball and happened to get in the way of a bad throw by Narváez.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

A Padres player who had a hit that preceded Machado's in the fourth inning.

Jackson Merrill

A Padres player who was on base with Machado when the kicking incident occurred.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Nah, I mean, I'm trying to get out of the way. It was perfect timing. ... I couldn't be better than that.”

— Manny Machado, San Diego Padres Infielder

“He doesn't have to beat the throw, he only has to beat the first baseman. It was just a bad throw that hit his ankle.”

— Craig Stammen, San Diego Padres Manager

What’s next

The Padres are now heading to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates where they'll look to get back to .500 for the first time this year.

The takeaway

The incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny and analysis of players' actions, especially in high-profile moments during games. While the slow motion replay seemed to show Machado pausing for a moment, he maintained that he was simply trying to avoid the throw, and the Padres ultimately got the last laugh by winning the series.