Orioles Call Up Top Prospect Manny Machado
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Christian Petersen/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Even though the Baltimore Orioles are in the thick of the American League playoff race, they needed to add some pop to their lineup. In an effort to do so, they have called up their top hitting prospect, Manny Machado.
Machado is just 20 years old, but he is considered one of the better prospects in the minor leagues. He was the third overall pick in the 2010 draft and the team has always had high expectations for him.
Since the Orioles already have J.J. Hardy at shortstop, Machado will instead play third base. The team feels confident that Machado can man the hot corner, even though he has only played two games at third base as a minor leaguer.
The Orioles are 19th in the Major Leagues in runs scored. The team has been playing Mark Reynolds and Wilson Betemit at third base, but they have struggled of late.
In 109 games with AA Bowie this season, Machado hit .266 with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs.
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