DENVER — San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado left Sunday’s game against the Colorado Rockies after injuring his left ankle in a fall at first base while attempting to hit an infield grounder.
Machado’s leg seemed to twist awkwardly while running to first base in the top of the first inning. He struggled to put weight on his ankle as he was helped off the field. Machado was later diagnosed with an ankle sprain after X-rays came back negative.
Machado stretched his left leg toward base and attempted to hit pitcher Antonio Senzatela’s throw. Machado’s cleat seemed to slip over the top of the bag and he fell to the ground, his left leg collapsing beneath him. The All-Star third baseman was clearly in pain, grimacing and wrapping his hands around his left lower leg. Machado was in play, the throw beat him by half a step.
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Sergio Alcantara replaced Machado at third base as the Padres took the field at the end of the first inning 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 to be reckoned with, leading San Diego in most offensive categories and helping equalize injured shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.
Before Sunday’s game, he led the Padres in batting average (.329), home runs (12), RBIs (46) and hits (83). San Diego, who have been going strong this season 24-13 through Saturday, started a half-game behind the Dodgers on Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.