San Diego Padres vs Miami Marlins Picks and Predictions May 26th 2025

Manny Machado’s Home Run Surge Sparks Padres vs. Marlins Showdown

Just when people were starting to whisper about Manny Machado’s power drought, he responded the way sluggers do—by crushing baseballs over fences. Machado, who has hit 28 or more home runs in every full season since 2015, entered Friday night’s ninth inning with only three homers. But by Sunday night, he had two more.

The first was a game-winning shot off Raisel Iglesias that gave San Diego a stunning comeback victory over the Braves. The second? An eighth-inning rocket that sealed a 5-3 win and a series victory against one of the best teams in baseball.

Talk about turning the tide.

“I’m on pace,” Machado laughed after Friday night’s thriller. “I had five at this time last year and finished with 29.”

Sure enough, the .321 batting average, 23 RBIs, and five home runs suggest Machado’s slow home run start wasn’t a warning sign—it was just a matter of time.

For up-to-date team stats and hot streaks like Machado’s, visit the MLB Team Page.

Padres Bounce Back from Rough Patch

Before Sunday’s win, the Padres had hit a rough stretch, dropping six straight games and struggling to generate offense. But their performance against Atlanta showed signs of life—and more importantly, showed clutch hitting and timely pitching.

Jake Cronenworth was another hero in Sunday’s contest. With the score tied in the seventh, he smacked a solo home run to right field and followed it up with a wall-scraping double in the ninth. The timing couldn’t have been better as San Diego tries to build momentum at home.

“Obviously, it was a long road trip,” Cronenworth said, “but we played awesome (Sunday), and I’m looking forward to getting back to San Diego.”

The Padres now return to Petco Park, eager to continue their climb back up the NL West standings.

Stay ahead of the betting edge by checking the MLB Odds Page for the latest lines and over/unders.

Starting Pitching Preview: Vasquez vs. Weathers

San Diego will hand the ball to Randy Vasquez, who enters Monday with a 3-4 record and a 3.49 ERA. While his last outing was forgettable—allowing two runs in just under five innings in a 14-0 loss to the Blue Jays—Vasquez has generally been reliable.

Interestingly, Vasquez has only faced Miami once, coming out of the Yankees’ bullpen in 2023. He threw 3 2/3 innings and picked up a win, despite giving up two runs.

Across the diamond, the Marlins will counter with Ryan Weathers, a name that might sound familiar to Padres fans. The lefty was drafted by San Diego in 2018 and spent several seasons in their system before being traded.

Weathers is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA this season. His most recent outing was a bright spot in an otherwise brutal 14-1 loss to the Cubs. He went five solid innings, allowing just one run.

But Padres fans will remember August 21, 2023, when Weathers was shelled by his former team—allowing five runs and walking five in just over three innings.

For expert breakdowns of daily matchups like this, visit the MLB Pick Page.

What’s Driving Machado’s Recent Success?

Machado’s mini power explosion didn’t come out of nowhere. Here’s what’s different:

• Better Pitch Selection: He’s laying off low off-speed pitches and waiting for something elevated.
• Patience at the Plate: Walk rate is up slightly, showing he’s seeing pitches more clearly.
• Pull Power: Both of his recent homers came on pitches he turned on early—classic Machado.

With Michael King landing on the injured list, the Padres need Machado to be more than a veteran presence. They need his bat in the heart of the order, especially during stretches when the pitching staff is thin.

For in-depth positional and batting evaluations, visit the MLB Expert Betting Guide.

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Marlins Carry Momentum into San Diego

The Marlins, meanwhile, aren’t limping into town. They’re flying high after taking two of three from the Angels over the weekend.

Sunday’s 3-0 victory showcased dominance on the mound. Edward Cabrera was lights out—striking out 10 batters in 5 2/3 innings and allowing only three hits. He set the tone early, and Miami’s bullpen sealed the win.

Saturday saw manager Clayton McCullough make a gutsy call—yanking starter Cal Quantrill in the fourth inning despite a 1-0 lead. The gamble paid off as reliever Janson Junk threw five strong innings to guide Miami to a 6-2 win.

Is that a sign of a new bullpen-forward strategy?

“I don’t know if that’s going to be a recipe every game,” McCullough admitted. “But it worked this time.”

It certainly helps when the bats are doing just enough. Rookie Javier Sanoja added a timely RBI and a fifth-inning double in Sunday’s win, continuing a productive stretch.

Keys to the Series

What does each team need to do to walk away with a series win?

Padres Must:

• Ride Machado’s Hot Streak: He’s the centerpiece of the lineup right now.
• Support Vasquez Early: Giving him a lead might help him settle after last week’s loss.
• Limit Bullpen Use: With King on the IL, conserving relief arms will be critical.

Marlins Must:

• Work the Count: Vasquez is prone to deep counts. Patience pays off.
• Get Sanoja Involved: The rookie brings energy and production.
• Neutralize Cronenworth and Machado: If their bats stay quiet, Miami has a shot.

FAQs

Why is Manny Machado’s power important for the Padres?

Machado is a cornerstone of San Diego’s offense. When he’s hitting home runs, it adds another layer of danger for opposing pitchers and energizes the entire team.

Who is starting for the Padres tonight?

Randy Vasquez gets the nod. Despite a rough last outing, he has shown flashes of brilliance and will look to bounce back at home.

How has Ryan Weathers performed against the Padres?

He faced them once in 2023 and struggled, giving up five runs and walking five in 3 1/3 innings.

What’s the latest on Michael King?

The Padres’ Opening Day starter is on the injured list, which means they’ll need more from both their rotation and lineup to stay competitive.

Which Marlins players are heating up?

Rookie Javier Sanoja and starter Edward Cabrera had standout performances over the weekend against the Angels.

Where can I find daily Padres picks?

Check the latest betting trends and projections on the MLB Pick Page for expert insights.