The San Diego Padres just can't catch a break these days. Not only did they see their losing skid continue after losing to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, but they also saw star third baseman Manny Machado leave the contest with an injury.
Machado suffered an apparent hip injury while trying to reach first base while the Angels were looking to complete a double play in the fourth inning. After getting checked by a San Diego trainer, Machado walked off the field and left the game. Before his exit, Machado went 0-for-2 with zero walks and no strikeouts in a Padres 3-2 loss.
Padres manager Mike Shildt later provided an update on Machado's injury, which he believes isn't something serious.
“Mike Shildt said Manny Machado suffered a mild to low grade strain of the hip flexor. Manny wanted to stay in the game, but Shildt described his status as day to day going forward,” NBC Sports' Darnay Tripp posted on X (the social media platform formerly known as Twitter).
Shildt's confident tone about Manny Machado's injury brings comfort to Padres fans, especially after San Diego just got swept by the Angels. San Diego is also now on a four-game losing streak, as it lost the last game of a three-game series at Kauffman Stadium against the Kansas City Royals last Sunday.
“It’s clearly something and we’ll see about tomorrow,” Shildt said after the game, per Joe Reedy of the Associated Press. “But it seems like it’s mild in substance,” he added.
Donovan Solano replaced Machado at third base after the latter exited, but was not able to help the Padres offensively. Solano went just 0-for-2. Fernando Tatis did most of the heavy lifting at the plate for San Diego, as he went 4-for-4 with an RBI, while Luis Arraez went 2-for-4 with a run.
Considering that Shildt doesn't seem too worried about Machado's injury, the six-time All-Star may be able to return right away to action as soon as this Thursday evening when the Padres play their first home game of the month to kick off a four-leg series versus the Arizona Diamondbacks. With the loss to the Angels, the Padres dropped below .500 with a 32-33 record — seven games behind the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers.
Machado had been awesome over several games prior to his injury. In the previous 17 games, the two-time Gold Glove winner posted impressive batting lines of .344/.420/.492 to go with a home run, nine RBIs, and eight walks. He had a .408 BABIP and a .912 OPS over the same stretch.
So far in the 2024 MLB regular season, Machado, who signed an 11-year deal worth $350 million with the Padres in 2023, is slashing .249/.312/.376 with six home runs and 32 RBIs
Social media reacts to Manny Machado's injury
“Just another regular GIDP by Manny, that he actually hussled and beat out and gets hurt 🤦♂️”
“Why do MLB players get hurt running the bases so often?”
“This is what happens when you're not used to going full speed all the time.”
“bro hustled down the line for once and gets hurt… smh”
“What is going on with the injuries today?!?”
“As a White Sox fan, I’m confused. This is what all of our players do when they run to 1st. It’s reached the point they’re actively avoiding making contact because running to 1st is so hazardous. Sure, it’s led to a 12 game losing streak, but at least we’re getting healthy 💪”
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