San Diego Padres star Manny Machado sprained his left ankle while falling at first base trying to get to safe first after grounding out Sunday against Colorado.
Machado left the game, and the Padres said X-rays were negative.
Machado, in the midst of a stellar season, stretched his left leg toward the base when pitcher Antonio Senzatela’s throw came in the first inning. Machado’s cue seemed to slide off the top of the bag and he fell to the ground, his left leg bent under him.
The All-Star third baseman was clearly in pain, grimacing and clasping his hands around the lower part of his left leg.
Machado was out of the play, the shot beat him by a half step.
The team’s coaches entered the field to attend to Machado when he was on the ground. He later sat up, but was unable to put weight on his injured ankle.
Machado was helped to his feet and, with a trainer on either side, limped off the field and into the clubhouse for further examination. He was replaced in the lineup by Sergio Alcántara. Machado has been a mainstay in the Padres’ strong start to the season, helping make up for the absence of the injured Fernando Tatis Jr.
Machado entered Sunday’s game batting .329 with 12 home runs and 46 RBI. He homered Saturday night in a loss to Colorado and has helped anchor the Padres’ infield defense while providing a constant leadership presence in the clubhouse.