San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (elbow) could begin the season at designated hitter as he works back from offseason elbow surgery.
Machado underwent surgery on his right elbow immediately following the 2023 after dealing with significant pain down the stretch. The veteran has reportedly already begun hitting and playing catch and appears to be on track for Opening Day, but we'll learn more once the star officially reports for spring training. Given the injury he is recovering from, it is possible that he'll start the season at DH while working his throwing arm back up to strength.
Machado's injury impacted his season in a tangible way, with his .782 OPS from last season marking his lowest rate since the 2017 season. Even with the injury he still managed to mash 30 homers, though, so hopefully the 31-year-old will be back to his old form for the upcoming campaign.
Source: AJ Cassavell, MLB.com