San Diego Padres Manny Machado Exits Game with Hip Flexor Strain

San Diego Padres star Manny Machado left Wednesday’s game with a right hip flexor strain. Manager Mike Shildt minimized concerns, stating, “It’s clearly something…but it seems like it’s mild in substance.”

Despite the team downplaying the injury Pro Baseball Docs recommend rest to prevent aggravation. Playing through will impair his ability to run out of the box and will also impact his ability to set up for throws while playing third base.

Machado historically avoids being placed on the IL, including playing all of 2023 with “tennis elbow.” This particular injury will not improve unless he is given time off. The injury may not require a stint on the 10-day IL but we anticipate he will miss time to address the issue.

“I’m sore right now. We’ll see how I wake up.” Machado said “That’s always the indicator, the next day. ... I felt good enough to stay. Shildt told me it’s not smart to push it…I was ready to continue and push through it. They made the executive decision to be smart, get ahead of it, not make it worse.”

Machado is currently hitting .249 with six home runs and 32 RBIs.