Padres News: Manny Machado Unlikely to Start Weekend Series Against Yankees

Star's rehab is going well but he is not ready just yet.

We last saw Manny Machado suit up on May 15 against the Kansas City Royals and that was when he took a big pitch right to his hand and suffered a hairline fracture. It was not serious enough to need surgery but he was placed on the IL for the first time in years and San Diego has gone 2-5 in his absence.

Right after they finish up their current series against the Washington Nationals, the Padres will take an immediate trip to New York for the weekend where they will face a red-hot Yankees squad led by Aaron Judge.

There really couldn't be a worse time for this as the Friars are desperately trying to find any sort of rhythm right now and win consistent games. It would've been amazing to welcome back Machado for this series but Bob Melvin says not to expect him in the lineup for now.

Padres manger Bob Melvin provides an update on Manny Machado, who is working his way back from a fractured bone in his hand:

"New York's gonna be tough...I would not expect him in the lineup tomorrow." pic.twitter.com/K0Nq51anjH

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) May 25, 2023

"New York is going to be tough," said Melvin. "We're there tomorrow, every day we'll see how it goes. But I would not expect him in the lineup tomorrow."

(Via 97.3 The Fan)

Melvin went on to further explain why the team is being cautious with their 30-year-old super star when it comes to swinging actual bats right now.

"I don't think it could further the injury to where the fracture gets bigger," said Melvin. "I think it's more 'Do we want him to grind through at-bats for a while?' and if you do that too early, he could remain in there longer than maybe you want."

(Via 97.3 The Fan)

When we get this version of Manny Machado back in 2 weeks > pic.twitter.com/bMzUbNfLpx

— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) May 24, 2023

As always, we wish Machado the best of luck in this recovery process. As much as we want him back for this big series, his health is always the priority here.

We'll keep you guys updated as we know more.