Manny Machado avoids ACL/MCL damage, out 6-8 Weeks

Sep 20, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) reacts after he was left on base during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

After a gruesome looking injury to their potential franchise cornerstone on Monday, the Baltimore Orioles appeared to be bracing for the worst. However, the team got some fantastic news on Tuesday afternoon surrounding the status of third baseman Manny Machado.

To recap, Machado has a torn medial patellar ligament. Considered good news. Sidelined 6-8 weeks. No ACL or MCL damage.
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) September 24, 2013

To everyone that saw the injury, it seems completely amazing that Machado doesn’t have ligament damage, but that is where we are after the MLB.com announcement. He has been absolutely tremendous this season, smacking 51 doubles while playing all-World defense at third base, and it seemed to be a brutal end to a magical season for the young man.

Baltimore is on the verge of being ousted from the playoff picture, but this ray of shining light should help brighten the day of Orioles nation. We won’t see Machado until Spring Training, but the fact that he’ll (unquestionably) be ready when pitchers and catchers report is a fantastic sign.

The game is better with Manny Machado on the field, and at 21 years old, Baltimore fans will hopefully be blessed with his presence for years (and potentially, decades) to come.

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