CHICAGO -- On some level, Manny Machado was surely wondering if he’d make it into the right-handed batter’s box at all. First base was open. The Padres were clinging to a one-run lead. The matchup -- Machado vs. left-hander Shota Imanaga -- was certainly not a favorable one for the Cubs.

But Machado completed his trek from the on-deck circle to the batter’s box in the fifth inning on Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field. And he did so without any requests from the home dugout for an intentional walk. He dug in. His stay would be a short one.

On the first pitch, Imanaga grooved a splitter down the heart of the plate. Machado unleashed that trademark right-handed swing, ferocious but smooth. He stood on his right leg and leaned back -- which usually means he knows that it’s gone.

Sure eno

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