Padres Manager Walks Back Comments on Machado's Rest

Craig Stammen adjusts his messaging around giving the veteran third baseman more days off during the season.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:55pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in navy blue and orange hues, depicting overlapping planes and shapes that abstractly represent a baseball game or match, conveying the tension and competing priorities around managing a veteran superstar player.A cubist interpretation of the ongoing 'battle' between Padres manager Craig Stammen and star third baseman Manny Machado over rest days, as the team tries to keep its veteran star fresh for a playoff push.San Diego Today

San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen initially said the team would prioritize giving veteran third baseman Manny Machado more rest days this season to keep him fresh. However, Stammen has now seemingly walked back those comments, saying Machado is still a 'spring chicken' and the team will only give him 'a few days' off. Machado, 33, is a key part of the Padres' lineup, and the team wants to ensure he remains productive throughout the entire season.

Why it matters

Machado is arguably the Padres' second-most important player after Fernando Tatis Jr., so keeping him healthy and effective is crucial to the team's playoff hopes. The Padres signed Machado to a long-term, high-value contract, so managing his workload is important both for this season and the remainder of his deal.

The details

During spring training, Stammen said the team would make sure to give days off to older players like Machado, noting that he 'isn't a spring chicken anymore.' However, Stammen has now reversed course, saying Machado is still a 'spring chicken' and the team will only need to give him 'a few days' off. Machado, who is under contract through 2033, pushed back on the rest idea earlier in the year, saying 'I'll rest when I'm in the ground.' The Padres will have to balance Machado's competitiveness with the need to keep him fresh for the stretch run and playoffs.

  • In spring training, Stammen said the team would prioritize rest for Machado.
  • Ahead of the 2026 season, Machado has hit .196 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs in 14 games.

The players

Craig Stammen

The first-year manager of the San Diego Padres, who is learning on the job how to manage veteran players like Manny Machado.

Manny Machado

The 33-year-old third baseman for the San Diego Padres, who is a key part of the team's lineup and is under contract through the 2033 season.

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What they’re saying

“'Gotta get our third baseman a few days. He's getting a little older. He's still a spring chicken, but I think these days, hopefully, add up in August, September, and we get the same Manny we get the whole season.'”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

“'I'll rest when I'm in the ground.'”

— Manny Machado

What’s next

The Padres will have to continue to monitor Machado's workload and find the right balance between resting him and keeping him productive throughout the season.

The takeaway

Managing veteran players like Manny Machado is a delicate balance for first-year managers like Craig Stammen. The Padres need Machado to be fresh for the playoffs, but his competitive nature makes it difficult to convince him to take regular rest days.