San Diego Padres star Manny Machado has undergone right elbow surgery and faces an expected recovery timeline of four to six months, the team announced Wednesday.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who has done countless surgeries on high-profile athletes, performed extensor tendon repair surgery on the six-time All-Star.
In the worst-case scenario on that timetable, Machado might miss the first few games of the 2024 season.
The injury had limited the third baseman to a DH role in the final month of the season.
Machado hit 30 home runs with a .782 OPS in 2022. Those aren’t bad numbers, but they’re less than many fans expected from a player who signed an 11-year, $350 million contract extension before last season.
On top of that, a late-season report hinted that Machado was a factor in the team’s struggles for his lack of leadership. The Padres, boasting the third-highest MLB payroll, finished 82-80.
low hanging fruit…
— GET RID OF EVERYONE (@NimmOBP) October 4, 2023
At least it happened during their offseason so he might not miss much of 2024.
— Big Baseball Fan23⚾️✈️🏴☠️ (@Baseball4Ever99) October 4, 2023
This is probably when Cashman makes him move he loves overpaid injured players
— Peter Driscoll (@PeterDr58352547) October 4, 2023
Damn is he out for the playoffs?
— Tyler (@RoxPacers) October 4, 2023
Having that injury and still putting up 30 pumps and a 115 ops+ is damn impressive
— Alex Carushow Stan (@69Sheeesh69) October 4, 2023
Why’d he wait so long to get it? Padres season was over months ago
— Charlie (2-2) (@Chardude36) October 4, 2023
I speak for all of baseball when I say, who cares.
— Gershom (@gershomxg) October 4, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.