Padres 3B Machado exits loss with sprained ankle

– San Diego Padres star third baseman Manny Machado left Sunday’s 8-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies after injuring his left ankle while taking a tumble at first base trying to beat out an infield grounder.

Machado’s leg appeared to turn awkwardly while he was running to first base in the top of the first inning. He struggled to put weight on the ankle as he was helped off the field. Machado was later diagnosed with an ankle sprain after X-rays came back negative.

After the loss, there was cautious optimism in the team’s media availabilities regarding Machado’s status.

“Fortunately, when he felt himself slip, he was able to shift his weight to the right and probably avoid more serious damage,” Padres acting manager Ryan Flaherty said. “All in all, it’s as good as it could be.”

“We have to wait for some of the swelling to go down and he gets treated,” he added. “We’ll probably have a better idea of that (Monday).”

First baseman Eric Hosmer concurred, saying “just kind of talking to him and hearing the news from all the trainers and stuff, I think it’s a win, if that makes any sense.”

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Machado stretched his left leg toward the base trying to beat the throw from pitcher Antonio Senzatela. Machado’s cleat appeared to slip across the top of the bag and he fell to the ground, his left leg buckling beneath him. The All-Star third baseman clearly was in pain, grimacing and clasping his hands around his lower left leg. Machado was out on the play, the throw beating him by a half-step.

Sergio Alcantara replaced Machado at third base when the Padres took the field in the bottom of the first inning at Coors Field. Four innings later, Randal Grichuk homered to cap a five-run frame, helping the Rockies post their 10th straight victory over San Diego at Coors Field.

As the Padres battle the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the National League West, Machado, 29, has been a force at the plate, leading San Diego in most offensive categories, and has helped to make up for the absence of injured shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.

Headed into Sunday, he was tops on the Padres in batting average (.329), home runs (12), RBIs (46) and hits (83). San Diego, strong on the road this season at 24-14, is one game behind the Dodgers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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