Why Padres Winning Streak May Have Hurt Them in 2024

When the Padres delay their elimination, Manny Machado waits to have his elbow surgery. Machado probably won't be ready for Opening Day in 2024.

While the San Diego Padres are playing their best baseball of the 2023 season -- even with last night's loss -- it may be a disadvantage for them at the beginning of the 2024 season. 

Even with their recent good play, the 2023 Padres will go down in history as one of the most disappointing teams. The likelihood of them earning a National League Wild Card spot is now almost nonexistent.

Manny Machado, who's still planning to have elbow tennis surgery whenever the Padres' season is done, confirmed that doctors have told him to expect a 5-7 month recovery before he's back playing both sides of the field. That means he could return in April or later.

— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) September 23, 2023

Manny Machado is delaying the surgery to resolve his elbow tendonitis. Since the recovery time for that surgery is five-to-seven months, Machado probably won’t be ready to play in April 2024. This may mean a slow start in 2024 for the Padres.

The Padres go as Machado, their superstar third baseman goes. Machado is their inspirational leader. The elbow injury has hampered Machado. Now he can’t play third base. He is the Padres’ DH.

After having an MVP-caliber 2022 season, Machado has had a decent offensive season with a .250 batting average with 30 home runs, 87 RBI, and a .781 OPS. The Padres will miss Machado’s offensive production in April 2024.

Since the Padres spent wildly last offseason, they are expected to have a quiet offseason this year. Machado is a cornerstone of the franchise. He is one of the best defensive third basemen in this era. Playing without Machado for any significant time will certainly hurt the Padres’ chances of bringing home a National League Western Division next season. 

With Saturday night's extra innings loss, the Padres should shut Machado down immediately and begin preparation for 2024.