The San Diego Padres remain locked in a fierce division race with the Los Angeles Dodgers, even as prospect Jackson Merrill continues to sit out. Manny Machado credits loyal fans for lifting the team’s spirits at a pivotal juncture in the season.
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Padres Notes: Jackson Merrill Remains Out, Manny Machado Praises Fans, NL West Race Heating Up
Photo by Si
Key Takeaways:
- Jackson Merrill remains sidelined for the Padres
- Manny Machado praises supportive San Diego fans
- The Padres are in a close National League West race
- The team looks to maintain momentum despite injuries
- Published by Si on August 23, 2025
Introduction
The San Diego Padres find themselves in a critical point of the season, engaged in a high-stakes duel with the Los Angeles Dodgers for control of the National League West. Against this backdrop, morale plays a key role, and Manny Machado believes supporters are making all the difference.
Jackson Merrill’s Absence
Jackson Merrill, a promising talent within the organization, is currently sidelined. While the article doesn’t detail the specifics, the absence of such a prospect can disrupt a team’s roster depth and limit their options as the playoff race heats up.
Manny Machado’s Perspective
Amid the challenges, Padres third baseman Manny Machado has voiced his gratitude to the passionate crowds cheering the team on from the stands. Speaking recently, he praised the positive energy from fans, who continue to show up and encourage the Padres during crucial matchups. That momentum, Machado suggests, helps keep the team engaged and enthused.
Heated NL West Race
The Los Angeles Dodgers, long a dominant force in the division, remain the primary obstacle between the Padres and the top spot in the NL West. Both teams understand the magnitude of every game, especially with the season ticking down and limited opportunities to catch or surpass each other in the standings.
Looking Ahead
As August progresses, the Padres must keep building on their strengths while managing injuries to stay in contention. With Jackson Merrill still out, the team relies on other contributors to step up. Meanwhile, the rousing support from fans, celebrated by Machado, could prove to be a vital intangible as San Diego aims to gain ground and finish the regular season strong.
