San Diego Padres ‘signboard hitter’ Manny Machado suffered a fracture. In the end, it is expected that he will be out of the line for the time being due to an injury.
Machado was injured in a home match against the 2023 Major League Kansas City Royals held at Petco Park in San Diego, California, USA on the 16th (hereinafter Korean time).
At the time, Machado was hit on the back of his left hand by an 81-mile (about 131 km) slider thrown by Kansas City starter Brad Keller. Machado, a fastball with a sand ball, complained of extreme pain and was replaced in the next at-bat. And he was not named in the starting lineup on the 17th and 18th.
According to ‘MLB.com’, Machado conducted an X-ray examination immediately after the dune, but no special problems were found in the examination. However, as the pain persisted, a reexamination was conducted and a small fracture was found. Director Bob Melvin explained, “The CT and MRI scans revealed a small fracture in the metacarpal bone.”
A fracture was found, but San Diego did not place Machado on the injured list (IL). ‘MLB.com’ said, “It is unclear whether Machado will spend time on the injured list. His condition will be re-evaluated.”
San Diego signed an 11-year, $350 million contract with Machado prior to this season. But Machado’s performance this season has been disappointing. Machado is struggling with 36 hits, 5 homers, a batting average of 0.231 OPS and 0.654 in 40 games. Of course, it is clear that Machado will find his place. However, it is undeniable that he had a poor start to the start of the season and was injured.
Even if he doesn’t go on the injured list, Machado’s departure is obviously fatal for San Diego. However, director Bob Melvin showed confidence. The command tower emphasized, “We have enough key personnel to overcome the vacuum in Machado.”먹튀검증
With Machado missing, Kim Ha-sung’s role became more important. Kim Ha-seong started as a third baseman for two days in place of Machado. Since wearing a San Diego uniform in 2021, Kim Ha-seong has often played as a third baseman on Machado’s rest days. In particular, against Kansas City on the 18th, as a third baseman, he showed great performance with 2 hits, 1 run and 2 walks in 3 at-bats.
It remains to be seen how Kim Ha-seong will minimize the gap in Machado.