DENVER (AP) — San Diego star third baseman Manny Machado sprained his left ankle while taking a tumble running out a grounder and the Colorado Rockies completed a three-game sweep, beating the Padres 8-3 Sunday.
Machado, who is hitting 328 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs, was injured in the first inning and exited the game. The Padres said X-rays were negative. “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 was injured after hitting a grounder that slowly rolled toward pitcher Antonio Senzatela. Machado sprinted down the line and stretched his left leg toward first base as the throw arrived, but his cleat appeared to slip across the top of the bag and he fell to the ground, his leg buckling beneath him.
“When it happened, obviously, everyone’s heart drops,” San Diego starting pitcher Blake Snell said. “You know how important he is to the team and what he means to our team.”
Clearly in pain, Machado, who was out on the play by a half-step, grimaced and clasped his hands around his lower left leg as team trainers came on to the field to tend to him.
Machado later sat up but was unable to put weight on the injured ankle and was helped off the field and into the clubhouse for further examination.
“It’s tough,” Senzatela said. “Hate to see that. He’s such a goodball player. You could…