Padres star Manny Machado sprains ankle ahead of series vs. D-backs

DENVER (AP) — San Diego Padres star Manny Machado sprained his left ankle while taking a tumble at first base trying to beat out a grounder Sunday against Colorado.

Machado exited the game and the Padres said X-rays were negative.

Machado, in the midst of a stellar season, stretched his left leg toward the base as the throw arrived from pitcher Antonio Senzatela in the first inning. Machado’s cleat appeared to slip across the top of the bag and he fell to the ground, his left leg buckling beneath him.

The All-Star third baseman clearly was in pain, grimacing and clasping his hands around his lower left leg.

Machado was out on the play, the throw beating him by a half-step.

Team trainers came on to the field to tend to Machado when he was down on the ground. He later sat up but was unable to put weight on the injured ankle.

Machado was helped up and, with a trainer on each side of him, limped off the field and into the clubhouse for further examination. He was replaced in the lineup by Sergio Alcántara. Machado has been a mainstay in the Padres’ strong start to the season, helping to make up for the absence of injured Fernando Tatis Jr.

“Fortunately, when he felt himself slip, he was able to shift his weight to the right and probably avoid more serious damage,” acting manager Ryan Flaherty said. “All in all, it’s as good as it could be.”

Flaherty said it’s still uncertain how long Machado will be out.

“We have to wait for some of the swelling to go down and he gets treated,” he said. “We’ll probably have a better idea of that tomorrow.”

Flaherty ran the team while manager Bob Melvin remained in COVID-19 protocol.

Machado entered Sunday’s game batting .329 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs. He homered Saturday night in a loss to Colorado and has helped to anchor the Padres’ infield defense while providing a steady leadership presence in the clubhouse.

The Padres return home to host Arizona on Monday night with San Diego RHP Yu Darvish (6-3, 3.35 ERA) scheduled to pitch the opener in a three-game series. RHP Zach Davies (2-3, 3.78) is the scheduled starter for the Diamondbacks.