SAN DIEGO -- Earlier this week, Manny Machado was named the starting third baseman for the National League at the All-Star Game.
On Saturday night, he pounded out career hit No. 1,998 in the Padres' 7-4 loss to the Rangers at Petco Park. And on Sunday -- his 33rd birthday -- he'll learn which of his teammates might join him in Atlanta at the Midsummer Classic.
Rosters are set to be revealed on ESPN at 2 p.m. PT. Here are five Padres with a case (including three would-be first-timers):
1. Fernando Tatis Jr.
In terms of star power, Tatis has the most obvious case to join Machado in Atlanta. The numbers certainly back that.
Sure, it's been an up-and-down first half for Tatis. But he ranks fifth among NL outfielders in bWAR with 3.5. He entered Saturday with a .796 OPS, 15 home runs, 18 steals and his usual dazzling defense in right field. Plus, he has been as durable as he's ever been, having played in 86 of the team's 88 games, including Saturday.
The biggest thing hurting Tatis' case is the strength of the NL outfield class (which was not the case last season when Tatis earned his second career All-Star selection). Juan Soto, James Wood, Andy Pages and Corbin Carroll are among those on the bubble for reserve spots.
2. Nick Pivetta
Similarly, the NL pitching staff looks like it might be loaded. Which could make Pivetta's inclusion an uphill climb. But he has made an intriguing case in his first season in San Diego.
Tied for the NL lead in wins with nine, Pivetta owns a 3.25 ERA, and he has struck out 107 over 97 innings with just 24 walks. He has been the anchor of a San Diego rotation that has dealt with all sorts of injuries and inconsistencies.
Whether or not Pivetta is named to the All-Star team (and maybe that ultimately depends on which pitchers need replacements because of the schedule?), his first half in San Diego has been an overwhelming success.
3. Robert Suarez
“I think we have four All-Stars in our bullpen,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt. “How you would choose that person out of the group there? It’d be a challenge. But I’d like to think we’re going to get multiple.”
The reality is, that’s rarely the case. The back end of the Padres’ bullpen has been a major strength this season. But when it comes to All-Star Games, it’s not often that multiple relievers from the same team make the cut.
Which brings us to Suarez. He’s the closer, and he leads the NL with 24 saves, entering Saturday. But he recently saw his ERA jump to 3.93 after a couple rough outings. Then again, his FIP is a full run and a half lower than that mark, meaning he has been much better than that ERA would indicate.
The simplest breakdown is this: The Padres bullpen has been excellent, and Suarez is the league leader in saves at closer. That instantly makes him the favorite from that group.
4. Adrian Morejon
Like Pivetta, whether Morejon becomes an All-Star or not, he’s one of the biggest success stories of the first half. The Padres made him their highest leverage left-hander when Tanner Scott departed, and he has filled that role as well as they ever could’ve hoped.
He entered Saturday with a 1.85 ERA, a 0.79 WHIP and is walking hitters at just a 4.6% clip. Among NL relievers, he ranks third with 1.3 fWAR, trailing only Randy Rodríguez and Suarez.
“He’s been the best lefty [reliever] in baseball,” said setup man Jason Adam.
While Adam is obviously biased, you know what? There’s a case for it.
Speaking of Adam …
5. Jason Adam
Earned run average is not always the most reliable barometer of reliever success. But Adam’s 1.65 ERA entering Saturday leads the team and ranks fourth among NL relievers with at least 30 innings. Plus, his 43 appearances are tied for the most in the Majors.
As for the fourth reliever Shildt was alluding to, Jeremiah Estrada is unlikely to be picked, mostly because his 3.32 ERA as a seventh-inning guy won’t turn many heads. But he has been undeniably nasty this season, too, striking out 52 over 38 innings.
“If any of us get that privilege, we’re all going to be excited for whoever gets that privilege,” said Adam. “It is a group effort. I’ve been picked up several times by these guys in the bullpen. It’s 100% a group effort.
“None of us are perfect every time. But when we walk out of there leaving guys on base, you go, ‘Oh, he’s coming in? This is awesome, the team’s still in a good spot.' It’s an incredible group effort.”