Is Manny Machado playing tonight? Latest injury update for Padres-Cubs game

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Alex House, ClutchPoints

Tue, April 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC ·

2 min read

Is Manny Machado playing tonight? Latest injury update for Padres-Cubs game appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The San Diego Padres (19-9) are surely eager to leap past the Los Angeles Dodgers and take control of the National League West, but cities do not throw parades for winning April. If this franchise is going to claim its first-ever World Series championship, it must exercise good judgment. Keeping the face of the franchise healthy certainly fulfills that requirement. Ergo, Manny Machado is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s matchup versus the Chicago Cubs .

Padres manager Craig Stammen revealed the news hours before first pitch, per 97.3 The Fan. Machado enjoyed his first three-hit game of the season in Monday’s 9-7 victory, but he exited after experiencing cramping in the calf. San Diego ’s skipper does not think the star third baseman pulled a muscle or suffered a concerning injury, but he wants to play it safe regardless. Machado is available off the bench, however.

The three-time Silver Slugger and two-time Gold Glove winner is starting to heat up, so the timing of his setback is obviously unfortunate. He is batting .232 with four home runs, 16 RBIs and a .742 OPS through 114 plate appearances.

Machado has scored eight runs in his last four games, which means the Padres may have to get creative in order to manufacture offense against the visiting Cubs. They have gotten by without their top guys producing thus far, though.

While Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill try to find their form, Xander Bogaerts , Luis Campusano , Ramon Laureano , Ty France and Gavin Sheets are stepping up. If the top half of the lineup truly ignites, then the Padres should be able to compete with anyone, including their arch nemesis.

The Friars need to focus on the Cubs tonight, however. Machado will look on and stay ready.