The San Diego Padres open their season in eight days against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Korea. Manny Machado is expected to be in the lineup, but he's unlikely to be at third base.
Machado hasn't played third base since undergoing right extensor tendon repair surgery in October. He's been able to hit in the lineup as the designated hitter, but it's unclear when he'll be able to man the hot corner for the Padres. Manager Mike Shildt provided an update to reporters over the weekend.
"It's still pretty fluid. The really encouraging news is he's been able to recover on the hitting side, feels good about it, is getting into games DHing. His throwing progression is still very, very fluid."
If Machado is unable to play third base before Opening Day on March 20, it's unlikely he would play before the Padres return to the States for their domestic home opener.
In the meantime, the Padres have a few options to start at third base in Korea. Graham Pauley, Eguy Rosario and Tyler Wade have all made strong cases to get that nod come the first game of the season. Matthew Batten, who was another candidate, was recently optioned to minor league camp.
Machado has appeared in eight games this spring, and is 6-for-21 (.300) with two doubles and three runs batted in.
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