Padres News: Manny Machado Set to Undergo Surgery, May Not Be Ready for Opening Day

The time has come.

Padres third baseman Manny Machado returned from an elbow injury in late September laser-focused on a playoff return in his and his teammates' minds. 

San Diego came up short on coming through for that promise and the veteran infielder now turns toward an elbow surgery that could sideline him to start 2024. 

"Manny Machado, who in the coming days is expected to undergo surgery to repair the torn tendons around his right elbow, did not play again Sunday. He persevered through significant pain for two months, but his last game was Friday. The expectation is he will be ready to participate at some point in spring training, though his activity could be limited early in the season."

via Kevin Acee, San Diego Tribune

Machado mostly played the DH role down the stretch, so opening the 2024 campaign in a similar spot wouldn't be the end of the world for San Diego. 

Fresh off a newly inked extension, the former Orioles and Dodgers superstar will likely finish his career at Petco Park with his new deal. 

What could change is the nucleus around Machado after the organization already signaled a significant change in approach to their roster in all likelihood. 

San Diego boasted one of the most expensive 2023 Opening Day rosters but failed to make the postseason similar to both New York teams. 

Though the Mets and Yankees will continue their path of big spending behind owners Steve Cohen and George Steinbrenner, respectively, such a road isn't as likely for the Padres. 

GM AJ Preller's constant spending on big-name players and adding star veterans at the trade deadline all while gutting the farm system hasn't worked. 

Two playoff appearances in 2020 and 2022 are all that Preller can boast as the top executive in San Diego. 

Machado will play a part in the 2024 equation but talented names elsewhere on the roster and possibly in the front office may not be so lucky.