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.
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.