Not only has he been the most valuable Padre in 2022, Manny Machado is having an MVP caliber season. After a scary looking injury Sunday his club will have to get by without his services.
The question is for how long.
After rolling his ankle in the first inning the team announced that Machado suffered a left ankle sprain and that X-rays came back negative. Machado's injury will keep him off the field for an undetermined length of time, during a season where the Padres are still awaiting the return of Fernando Tatis Jr. from a broken wrist.
Get top local stories in San Diego delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC San Diego's News Headlines newsletter.
After hustling down the line in search of an infield single in the opening inning, Machado's left foot slid off first base causing his ankle to buckle when it hit the dirt. The 29-year-old rolled his ankle severely, and grabbed it immediately in pain when he hit the ground.
Machado was able to put weight on it as he was helped off the field.
His hot start made Machado an early frontrunner for National League MVP. On Sunday he ranked 2nd in the NL in batting average (.328) and on-base percentage (.400); third in OPS (.945) and tied for third for runs scored (48). He also ranks fifth in slugging percentage (.545) and seventh in RBIs (46).
LISTEN: With NBC 7 San Diego's Darnay Tripp and Derek Togerson behind the mic, On Friar will cover all things San Diego Padres. Interviews, analysis, behind-the-scenes...the ups, downs, and everything in between. Tap here to find On Friar wherever you listen to podcasts.
