Manny Machado DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (back) is back at third base and is hitting cleanup on Tuesday for the split-squad Cactus League game against the division-rival San Francisco Giants. Machado was scratched from a spring training game a week ago due to some back tightness, but after resting up, he's feeling better and is ready to return to the field. It's a good sign he's also being allowed to play defense in his return, so Machado should be ready to go later this month for Opening Day, barring a setback with his back. Although he's on the wrong side of 32, Machado has been extremely consistent and has 30-plus home runs in seven of the last the last 10 full seasons. Although he hit just 29 bombs a year ago, he drove in 100-plus runs for the fourth time in his career and has at least 600 plate appearances in 10 of his 13 MLB seasons. Machado is RotoBaller's No. 6-ranked fantasy third baseman.

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (back) is likely to be back in the lineup on Tuesday. Machado was scratched ahead of Friday's contest due to back tightness. The good news is Machado was able to do defensive drills on Sunday, so it sounds like he's making progress. The Padres are likely just being cautious with Machado early in camp. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect this injury to be something that lingers into the regular season.

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (back) was scratched from Friday's lineup with back tightness. The team said the move was precautionary. Fantasy managers should monitor his status in case he faces an extended absence. Eguy Rosario took his place in the lineup and covered the hot corner. Last season, Machado hit at least 28 home runs for the fourth-straight campaign. He posted a .275/.325/.472 slash line with 30 doubles, 29 home runs, and 11 stolen bases. He generated a strong .272 xBA with a .461 xSLG. The 32-year-old also posted an elite 48.8 percent hard-hit rate and placed in the 93rd percentile in bat speed. Tyler Wade should also see opportunities at the hot corner while Machado remains sidelined. Fantasy managers should view Machado as a high-end third baseman in all formats if he can move past this injury.