Machado Teases Reporter Over Blue Outfit Ahead of Padres-Cubs Wild Card Clash
Manny Machado mocked reporter Karthik Venkataraman’s blue clothing during a press conference before the Padres’ Wild Card series with Chicago.
During a pre-game press conference, Manny Machado interrupted San Diego-native reporter Karthik Venkataraman, teasing him about his blue attire and responding with a curt “Obviously not.” The exchange highlighted Machado’s playful yet controversial persona as the Padres head into a Wild Card series against the Chicago Cubs for the third consecutive year. Machado has contributed 30 home runs, 91 RBIs and a.711 OPS over 158 games, though his WAR sits at 1.5.
The Cubs previously edged out San Diego in last season’s Wild Card matchup and will be without All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman for most of the series. San Diego, riding a 41-23 post-All-Star surge and benefitting from home-field advantage, hopes to reverse last year’s outcome when the series opens Tuesday at 7 p.m. PT.
Why it matters
The exchange underscores the heightened media attention and rivalry as the Padres seek to advance past the Cubs in the postseason.
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