Manny Machado Provides Important Health Update as Padres Camp Gets Underway

San Diego Padres star third baseman Manny Machado recently provided some great news regarding his recovery from elbow surgery this offseason. Machado was hampered by a nagging elbow issue toward the end of last season, and there has been thought about him being delayed to start the new year.

Machado said that he has no expectations right now, and that he is feeling good about everything.

“Honestly, no expectations,” Machado said. “Just go out there and just (see) how I feel. As of today, feeling good. It was a good offseason getting my strength back. It’s just a matter of what my body tells me and how much I can go, how much I can push and at the same time just being smart about the situation. It’s a long season. But as of right now, feeling good. No issues with hitting and throwing. Just a matter of just building up my arm to be able to tolerate every day.”

Per Manny Machado via The San Diego Union-Tribune

If Machado is sidelined for a bit of time to start the year, others on the Padres will need to step up. He is one of their leaders, and they will surely miss his bat in the lineup.

Last season, Machado had a down year by his standards, in part due to the elbow injury. He .258 with 30 home runs and 91 runs batted in over 128 games.

I feel really good right now where I’m at physically, mentally, and I’m just ready to get this season going.”

Per Manny Machado via The San Diego Union-Tribune

Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller said that Machado is on track to play in the season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Korea. The situation is fluid, but this shows how far he has come in his recovery process.

“He’s hit every checkpoint so far this offseason,” said general manager A.J. Preller. “... I know he wants to be ready to go play in Korea. So far he’s tracking towards that.”

Per A.J. Preller via MLB.com

The key for Machado will be building his arm back to full strength. He wants to play for a long time, so making sure he doesn't push himself too much at first will be crucial.