San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado, center, is helped off the field by interim manager Ryan Flaherty, left, and head athletic trainer Mark Rogow, right, after a play at first base in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Manny Machado has 'purple and blue' ankle, but likely to avoid IL

By Adam Stites | Last updated 6/20/22

San Diego Padres star third baseman Manny Machado appeared to suffer a serious injury Sunday when he rolled his ankle after slipping off first base. Padres acting manager Ryan Flaherty eased those concerns Monday when he told reporters Machado's ankle isn't that banged up.

Flaherty said Machado's ankle "has some purple and blue," but the sprain won't keep the five-time All-Star out of the lineup for long.

Padres acting manager Ryan Flaherty gives an update on Manny Machado: pic.twitter.com/79gJBCC3bK
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) June 20, 2022

Padres acting manager Ryan Flaherty on optimism that Manny Machado could potentially avoid an IL stint:

“Manny’s a quick healer.” pic.twitter.com/J611PAnKxc
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) June 20, 2022

"Overall, he's moving around pretty good, he feels good," Flaherty said. "He's not in the starting lineup [Monday]. Outside of that, I think there's pretty good optimism behind that."

Machado, 29, was helped to the locker room in the first inning Sunday and underwent X-rays that came back negative. With Machado out of the starting lineup Monday, the team announced shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will move over and start at third base against the Arizona Diamondbacks with C.J. Abrams filling in at shortstop.

In 66 games this season, Machado is batting .328 with 12 home runs and 46 RBI. He's third in MLB this season in wins above replacement (WAR) at 4.0.

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