Padres 3B Machado exits game with ankle sprain

DENVER — San Diego Padres star third baseman Manny Machado left Sunday’s game against 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.

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.

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’s game, 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 24-13 through Saturday, began Sunday a half-game behind the Dodgers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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