Manny Machado is back in the Padres’ lineup on Thursday, July 9, 2026, after doctors confirmed his foot injury isn’t a fracture. The 34‑year‑old third‑baseman will resume his regular spot at hot corner, giving manager Craig Stammen a chance to restore his usual batting order.

What happened?

During Tuesday’s game at Petco Park, Machado fouled a ball off his right foot. X‑ray results, announced by Stammen on Wednesday, came back negative for any break. The team gave Machado a rare day off, with utility infielder Sung‑Mun Song filling in at third. Machado’s return is slated for the Thursday night matchup against the Chicago White Sox.

How is Machado performing?

Even with the injury, Machado’s season numbers remain underwhelming. Through 89 games he’s posted a .188/.282/.404 slash line, 18 homers, 51 RBI and two steals in 374 plate appearances. His recent stretch shows a .185/.265/.384 line, suggesting the slump may be deeper than a simple foot issue. Analysts point to a .126 batting average over his last 30 games, though his power stays alive with a .333 slugging percentage and seven homers in that span.

Why does his return matter?

The Padres have kept Machado in the cleanup spot despite the dip, trusting his veteran presence to spark the offense. On July 7, he delivered a three‑run homer in the tenth inning off Joe Ross, accounting for five of San Diego’s six runs in a narrow win. That blast highlighted his ability to change games even when his overall stats lag.

What does this mean for fantasy owners?

Fantasy managers should treat Machado as day‑to‑day for now. While his average sits near .170, his power potential still offers upside, especially in leagues that reward home runs and RBI. Keep an eye on his plate appearances; a full return could stabilize his numbers, but the underlying swing metrics suggest a possible regression to a .240‑.250 hitter if the slump persists.

What’s next for Machado and the Padres?

Thursday’s game will be the first test of Machado’s foot after the clean bill of health. If he stays healthy, the Padres can lock in their usual batting order and avoid further lineup shuffles. The team’s next challenge is a road series against the New York Yankees, where Machado’s bat could be a deciding factor in a tightly contested division race.

How does this affect the broader season?

San Diego’s offense has been uneven, with 24 teams combining for just 64 runs on the day of Machado’s injury, and no team scoring more than six. Machado’s presence in the middle of the lineup could help the Padres break out of low‑scoring games and climb the NL West standings. His health will be a key variable as the club pushes for a playoff spot.

The Padres will watch closely as Machado steps back onto the field Thursday night, hoping the foot injury stays a footnote rather than a season‑long setback.