In a significant development for the San Diego Padres, the team announced that their star third baseman, Manny Machado, underwent extensor tendon repair surgery on his right elbow.
The surgery comes as a result of a persistent battle with tennis elbow that has plagued Machado for the past two seasons.
According to reports, Machado’s recovery is expected to take approximately 4-6 months, putting his availability for Opening Day next season in doubt.
The 31-year-old infielder struggled with the ailment throughout the 2023 campaign, which ultimately led to him being utilized as the designated hitter for a portion of the regular season’s final stretch.
Reflecting on the decision to undergo surgery, Machado remarked in a statement made back in September: “We were trying to avoid it as much as we can. But unfortunately (the injury) has just put us in that situation, and you know what, it’s probably going to make me better, going to make us all better.”
“Just get it done, get ready for next year, come back and be healthy,” he said.
Padres notes: Manny Machado has elbow surgery; Bob Melvin-A.J. Preller update https://t.co/CquHnLBTfU
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) October 4, 2023
Machado, who concluded the season with a .781 OPS, 30 home runs, and 91 RBI’s across 138 games, experienced his fewest appearances in a full season since 2014.
Despite these challenges, the Padres have been highly reliant on his contributions both offensively and defensively.
It’s worth noting that the Padres made a significant long-term commitment to Machado, signing him to an 11-year, $350-million contract extension with a full no-trade clause last February.
This surgery and its subsequent recovery period will undoubtedly impact the team’s plans for the upcoming season, as they aim to contend in a competitive National League landscape.
It is kind of wild Manny Machado gets shit on for not being a “team player” by some media outlets and is literally playing with a broken elbow and waiting to get surgery until the team is mathematically eliminated.
Dude is exactly what a team player is pic.twitter.com/dmDaLd05RR
— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) September 26, 2023
It was clearly a disappointing season for Machado and the Padres.
What should they do this offseason?
Will Machado ever live up to the massive hype that was placed upon him?
Where do you rank him among the top players in baseball?