Report: Manny Machado Could Be Facing Surgery


The San Diego Padres won't be going to the postseason dance this year, and it's fair to say that Manny Machado's underwhelming performance this season is part of the reason. Now, it looks like the star third baseman's 2023 season might be coming to an early end as well, as elbow problems could shut him down, and even lead to offseason surgery.

According to Padres beat writer Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune, Machado is suffering from inflammation in his elbow that is sometimes called "tennis elbow." Normally, this type of injury doesn't require surgery, but because he's been plagued by it for two straight years now, the report says that Machado could consider going under the knife to try to clear things up. 

Although he's been a DH only for the past week, it's still affecting him, says Acee“The effects recently are more frequent and severe... There are certain swings that cause [Machado] a great deal of pain.”

It's certainly possible that the elbow troubles have contributed to Machado's less-than-stellar slash line of .253/.317/.453 . His OPS+ of 113 is his lowest in four years, and 45 points below his mark last season. 

The 6-time All-Star signed an 11-year, $350M extension with the Friars this past February, and that new massive long-term commitment is off to an inauspicious start. 

The Padres are 67-75, 7.5 games back of the final Wild Card spot, with three other teams ahead of them. They are by far the most disappointing team of the 2023 season. 

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