Manny Machado Suffered Serious Knee Injury Tripping Over First Base

Manny Machado suffered a serious-looking knee injury running out a ground ball in the top of the seventh in today’s Orioles game against the Rays at the Trop. Machado hit the corner of the bag and stumbled over in pain. The promising young third baseman was stretchered off.

It got worse from there for the Orioles, as they lost 5-4 on a walk-off homer by James Loney. The loss all but eliminates Baltimore from the American League Wild Card chase.

Here’s the full injury sequence:

There hasn’t been an official diagnosis of the injury. Judging by the way the knee buckled, it’d be a pleasant surprise if it wasn’t a ligament tear. Orioles fans, keep your fingers crossed. The Baltimore Sun reports he’ll have an MRI on Tuesday. His season is obviously over. How much time he’ll miss in 2014 won’t be known until the MRI results are released.

Manny Machado exited the game in the 7th with an injury and is being evaluated. All of #Birdland's thoughts are with Manny.
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 23, 2013

This would be a loss for all of baseball since Machado, a doubles machine, was one of the most enjoyable young players to watch all season. His play at third base, in particular, was highlight reel-worthy.