What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers are both set to enter the MLB postseason, with their final seeding yet to be determined. Amidst this competitive atmosphere, Padres third baseman Manny Machado has expressed admiration for Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who recently announced his retirement. Kershaw, a three-time NL Cy Young Award winner and 2014 NL MVP, is regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Machado, who has played alongside Kershaw, praised him as a legend and expressed hope for a postseason rematch. Machado himself is having a strong season, batting .273 with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs.
Why It's Important?
The mutual respect between Machado and Kershaw highlights the sportsmanship that can exist even in fierce rivalries. Kershaw's retirement marks the end of an era for the Dodgers, and his absence will be felt in the league. For the Padres, Machado's performance is crucial as they aim for a deep postseason run. The outcome of the postseason could impact team dynamics and future strategies for both franchises. Additionally, Kershaw's departure may influence the Dodgers' pitching strategy moving forward, while Machado's leadership will be pivotal for the Padres.
What's Next?
As the postseason approaches, both teams will focus on securing the best possible seeding. The Padres and Dodgers may face each other in the playoffs, providing an opportunity for Machado and Kershaw to compete once more. The Dodgers will need to strategize for life without Kershaw, while the Padres will rely on Machado's experience and leadership. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these developments affect the teams' performances in the postseason.
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