Manny Machado's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt said that third baseman Manny Machado (elbow), who is coming off offseason shoulder surgery, will not play in the team's Cactus League opener on Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, Machado is "trending in a really good place" and could serve as the designated hitter "sooner than later" in spring training games. Machado had surgery to fix the extensor tendon in his right elbow after last season, but he should be ready to go for Opening Day, even if he's serving as the team's DH to kick off the regular season. Even though the 31-year-old veteran slugger played through elbow pain for much of 2023, he still managed to hit 30 home runs and drive in 91 RBI, but his .781 OPS was his lowest mark since 2017. Machado is RotoBaller's No. 6 fantasy third baseman and still has a very high floor.

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (elbow) is swinging with 100 percent effort and is playing catch at the start of spring training. Machado's progress is being monitored closely this spring after he had surgery to fix an extensor tendon in his right elbow late last year. It remains to be seen if he'll actually be ready for Opening Day, but if he is, it seems likely that the Padres will ease him in as their designated hitter. As of right now, the 31-year-old All-Star is trending towards being ready for the two-game Korea Series to kick off the season against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Machado will be more risky in fantasy drafts in 2024 coming off his injury, but RotoBaller still has him ranked as the No. 6 third baseman after the six-time All-Star reached the 30-homer mark for the second straight year and the seventh time in his career in 2023.

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt said that third baseman Manny Machado (elbow) "is killing his offseason." "He's been able to swing. I can tell you he's on pace to be able to be ready offensively, and he's in a really good spot and recovering well with his throwing. But we also know that we don't feel like we have to validate him going out there (at third base) the early part of spring, the first exhibition game. He's in a good spot to be ready for the start of the season." Expect the Padres to take things slow with the 31-year-old this spring, but barring any setbacks, it sounds like Machado should be ready for Opening Day. The Friars could also use Machado more at designated hitter early on to keep him fresh after he had surgery in October to fix the extensor tendon in his right elbow.

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (elbow) is recovering from right-elbow extensor tendon repair surgery in early October and might not be ready to play defense by late March. It means that Machado might have to serve as the team's primary designated hitter to open the 2024 regular season. If that's the case, Gold Glover Ha-Seong Kim would be the likely replacement as the regular third baseman at the hot corner until Machado can return to play defense. Despite playing most of the year with his elbow injury, the 31-year-old six-time All-Star hit .258/.319/.462 with 30 home runs, 91 RBI and 75 runs scored in 601 plate appearances over 138 games played. There's a little more risk on Machado because of the fact that he might not be ready for Opening Day, but when healthy, he should continue to be one of the most consistent producers in fantasy at the hot corner.