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Manager Mike Shildt said Friday that Machado has been extending distance when playing catch and is "a little ahead of schedule" in terms of rehabbing from offseason elbow surgery, though the Padres won't consider having him return to the field for a few more weeks, 97.3 The Fan San Diego reports.
Machado has been limited exclusively to designated-hitter duties to begin the campaign, and that appears unlikely to change for at least a few more weeks. Nonetheless, Shildt indicated that the veteran third baseman is "in a good place" and has been feeling good after recent throwing sessions. It's uncertain if Machado's offseason surgery has affected his swing, but he's off to a slow start at the plate, slashing .184/.295/.395 with two home runs, seven RBI and a 6:7 BB:K through 44 plate appearances.
