Manny Machado showing leadership for San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres season is starting to fall apart quickly. Between their seemingly unending pitching injuries and inconsistencies, the Padres are on the verge of missing out on the postseason. What had been a season that began with high expectations and hopes for a championship has become a frustrating year of disappointment.

Those frustrations manifested in the fifth inning of the Padres’ game on Saturday. Cameras showed Manny Machado yelling at Fernando Tatis Jr. in the dugout, sparking questions as to what was going on between the two.

Manny Machado doing exactly what San Diego Padres needed him to

Based on Machado’s reputation, it is easy to assume the worst. He has the reputation of being a hothead, someone who is generally disliked by opposing fans. Likewise, there have been questions about his heart, hustle, and ability to be a leader.

But that is exactly what Machado was doing – being a leader. Tatis had just been ejected for arguing balls and strikes in a game that the Padres desperately needed to win. If they are going to keep pace in the chase for the second Wild Card spot, and even gain ground, Tatis needs to be on the diamond.

Machado was doing his part to hammer that point home. He was heard yelling “It’s not f***ing about you” after Tatis got ejected, reminding the Padres’ young star that they are battling for something much bigger than personal numbers. The playoffs are where legacies can be forged, and players can be immortalized.

Despite Tatis’ accomplishments and impressive showing on the diamond, he is still just 22 years old. He is still a young player, one who needs that veteran guidance and to learn how to be a leader. Having Machado remind him of that, and that the Padres need him in the lineup, will go a long way to helping him become the player he can be.

Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. got into a shouting match in the dugout. Machado was doing exactly what the San Diego Padres needed him to.