San Diego Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is leaning towards undergoing surgery for a recurring lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, that he has been experiencing for the past two seasons.

The injury has significantly worsened over the past few months, with the six-time MLB All-Star trying out different treatment options such as shots, therapy, and rest to no avail.

Machado said the injury has gotten to a point where he can't take that pain anymore.

"I think it's taken a hit on my performance," the two-time All-MLB First Team confessed.

"The next alternative is surgery. We've tried to avoid it as much as we can but unfortunately it's just put us in that situation and you know what? It's probably going to make me better," the 31-year-old admitted.

The two-time Gold Glove awardee forecasted a six to seven months recovery timeline, which could make him potentially available for the early parts of next season.

Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million dollar deal with the Padres when he arrived as a free agent in 2019, the largest contract in North American sports history at its signing.

Padres to open 2024 season in South Korea

The team will open the 2024 MLB season with two games in South Korea against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 20 and 21.

The Asian country is the home of Padres utility player Ha-Seong Kim, who is happy that fans in his home country will see MLB action for the first time.