"Nick Pivetta delivers gem as Machado reaches 2,000 hits – will the Padres ace make his first All-Star team in 2025?"

Nick Pivetta delivered another masterclass on the mound Sunday night, just as Manny Machado etched his name deeper into baseball history with his 2,000th career hit. The Padres’ ace carved through the opposition with seven shutout innings, extending his dominant 2025 campaign.

While Machado joined elite company as the 10th active player to reach the milestone, Pivetta continued making his own case for recognition. The former Phillies pitcher, now a revelation in San Diego, has emerged as one of baseball’s most reliable starters.

With both players firing simultaneously, the question grows louder: Could this finally be the year Pivetta earns his first All-Star selection?

“Nick Pivetta’s dominant 2025 season: Is this finally his All-Star year?”

Nick Pivetta has been nothing short of spectacular for the Padres in 2025, delivering his third scoreless start of the season against the Tigers in late April. The right-hander has emerged as San Diego’s most reliable starter, posting a 2.45 ERA through his first 15 outings while striking out 112 batters in 98 innings. His transition to the Padres organization couldn’t have gone smoother, with manager Mike Shildt praising how quickly Pivetta has adapted to his new team.

Pivetta’s mechanics have noticeably improved this season – his fastball command is sharper than ever, and he’s mixing in his curveball more effectively against left-handed hitters.

But do you think he’s done enough to make his first All-Star team? There’s so much competition in the NL pitching staff!

Considering the Padres’ playoff push and his consistent performance, I’d say he’s built a strong case. The July 4th FriarNotes article mentioned he’s making a compelling argument.

“Manny Machado joins elite company with 2,000 hits – can he reach 3,000?”

Padres superstar Manny Machado reached the 2,000-hit milestone on July 7th against the Dodgers, becoming just the 11th active player to achieve this feat. The 33-year-old third baseman accomplished this in his 1,727th career game, putting him ahead of Hall of Famers like Mike Schmidt and Eddie Mathews in terms of pace to the milestone. Machado’s achievement comes during a season where he’s batting .287 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs.

“Machado’s path to baseball immortality”

With eight years remaining on his contract, Machado would need to average about 115 hits per season to reach 3,000 – a mark achieved by only 33 players in MLB history. His durability and consistent production suggest this is within reach, especially considering he’s had at least 150 hits in seven of his last eight full seasons.

“Padres’ dynamic duo: How Pivetta and Machado are carrying San Diego”

The pairing of Nick Pivetta’s pitching dominance and Manny Machado’s offensive production has become the driving force behind the Padres’ success in 2025. In games started by Pivetta, the Padres are 12-3, with the right-hander averaging nearly seven innings per start. Meanwhile, Machado has driven in runs in 60% of the games Pivetta has started, creating a potent combination.

It’s crazy how well they complement each other! When Pivetta keeps the score low, Machado delivers the big hits.

That’s the hallmark of a contending team – star players performing when it matters most. Their chemistry in the clubhouse has been noticeable too.

“Breaking down Pivetta’s pitch arsenal: What makes him so effective in 2025?”

Pivetta’s success stems from significant improvements in his pitch mix and command. His four-seam fastball velocity has increased to 95.2 mph on average (up from 93.8 mph in 2024), while his curveball has become his most effective secondary pitch with a 42% whiff rate. The right-hander has also refined his changeup, using it more against left-handed batters with great success.

“Playoff implications: Can Pivetta and Machado lead the Padres to October?”

With the Padres currently holding a wild card spot in the National League, the performances of Pivetta and Machado will be crucial down the stretch. Pivetta’s ability to deliver quality starts (averaging 6.2 innings per outing) takes pressure off a bullpen that has struggled at times, while Machado’s clutch hitting (batting .351 with bases loaded) has helped the Padres win several close games.

“All-Star predictions: Which Padres will represent San Diego in Seattle?”

While Machado has already been named an All-Star starter at third base, debate continues about which other Padres will join him. Pivetta’s case is strong with his 2.45 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, though competition is fierce among NL pitchers. Fernando Tatis Jr. is another candidate with his 20 home runs and stellar defense, while closer Robert Suarez has been nearly perfect in save opportunities.

“Pivetta’s All-Star chances by the numbers”

• Ranked 4th in NL ERA (2.45)
• 5th in strikeouts (112)
• 3rd in innings pitched (98)
• 2nd in WHIP (1.02)

Do you think Pivetta will actually make it? There are so many great pitchers this year!

His consistency gives him an edge. While others have flashier numbers, Pivetta delivers every fifth day – managers value that reliability when selecting reserves.

“Contract watch: Is Pivetta becoming the best free agent signing of 2025?”

The Padres’ four-year investment in Pivetta looks smarter with each passing start. Compared to other pitching contracts signed last offseason, Pivetta’s production significantly outpaces his $14 million average annual value. As injuries plague other rotation members, Pivetta’s durability (making every scheduled start) has been invaluable for San Diego’s playoff push.