Kim Ha-seong (28), who has been suffering from an unexplained abdominal pain that has been causing him to miss a lot of games, has been dealt another blow: his best friend Manny Machado (31) is going under the knife to repair an elbow injury.
“One of San Diego’s biggest stars has been sidelined for the past few months with an elbow problem, and surgery is expected to take place soon,” Sports Illustrated (SI) reported on Monday (Nov. 19).
“It was revealed that Machado decided to undergo surgery to speed up the healing process as much as possible, and many fans wondered why he refused to seek treatment sooner,” the publication said.
Machado’s injury was discovered before Kim’s. He had been experiencing pain in the same area for the past two years, but played through it anyway.
He was recently placed on the 10-day disabled list and even returned to play, but ultimately decided to go under the knife.
Machado even hit a multi-homer game against his hometown team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, on April 12. However, “while this had to feel good for Machado on a personal level, his near-future health issues could hurt his production next season,” according to SI.
Machado signed a massive 11-year, $350 million contract with San Diego prior to this season. It was a big enough deal to stake the team’s future on, but he was plagued by injuries early on.
He still contributed with a .250 batting average, 28 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a .767 OPS in 132 games this season, but the difference from last year, when he finished second in National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting, was evident.
Kim has also been plagued by injuries lately. He entered his third year without a major injury since reaching the big leagues, and this season he’s made strides in his batting, which has been a weakness, and established himself as one of San Diego’s most valuable players.
However, over his last 30 games, he’s batting just .200 (24-for-120) with a .551 OPS. It’s the aftermath of a hard-fought first half, and Kim recently told the San Diego Union-Tribune, “It’s a really, really long (season). “I’m trying to stay sharp and play at a high level and do everything I can to help the team win. I feel like it’s my job to stay fit,” suggesting that he is physically depleted.
Ha-Sung Kim (28, San Diego Padres) missed his second straight day with an unexplained abdominal pain. While he avoided a trip to the disabled list, it’s likely he’ll be a few more days before he returns as San Diego’s medical staff is still unsure of the cause.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on July 19 (KST), “The San Diego team’s medical staff is still unable to determine the cause of Kim’s abdominal problem. Xander Bogaerts will take his place in the leadoff spot 바카라사이트.”
Kim also said, “According to the medical staff, it’s not a big problem. I’ve been feeling similar for a few days. I’m still waiting for the medical team’s judgment,” he said, adding, “It’s unfortunate that this happened at this time and I don’t feel good.”
Add to that the bone chips found in Darvish’s judo elbow and the absence of key bullpen arm Joe Musgrove with right shoulder soreness.
It’s unlikely the team will make it to fall ball this season. Worse, there are growing doubts that the team will start next season at full strength.