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Manny Machado makes an impact in Dodgers debut
MILWAUKEE, July 21, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Manny Machado made a splash in his Los
Angeles debut on Friday with a multi-hit game as the Dodgers defeated the
Milwaukee Brewers 6-4 at Miller Park.
Machado, who started at shortstop, batted second in the order and wasted
no time making an impact with a single in his first at-bat off Milwaukee
starting pitcher Wade Miley in the top of the first.
Considered one of the prize catches on the Major League Baseball trade
market this season, Machado was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles on
Wednesday in exchange for five prospects.
“This is a great team and I am looking forward to the rest of the season,”
said Machado who finished two-for-three at the plate. “They made me feel
right at home the first day here.”
Machado walked in his next two at-bats and delivered his second single in
the seventh inning off relief pitcher Taylor Williams in front of a Milwaukee
crowd of 36,800.
Machado slides into the shortstop position with Corey Seager out after
undergoing season-ending elbow surgery in May.
“For seven years I put on the same uniform,” Machado said. “I finally got
traded and everything is behind me now. I feel great. I was pretty nervous
about it at first but that blue (jersey) looks good on me.”
Machado chose to wear number eight for the Dodgers as a homage to his
favorite NBA player Kobe Bryant. “My dog is named Kobe,” he said.
No doubt that was a relief for the Dodgers’ Max Muncy who wears the No. 13
that Machado donned during his time with the Orioles.
Machado was hitting .315, with 24 home runs and 65 RBIs for the Orioles
this season and the Dodgers are hoping he can maintain that blistering pace.
“We think Manny was the most impactful player on the market at the time,
and any contender could see he could make a positive impact for him,” general
manager Farhan Zaidi said. “For a player of Manny’s caliber, you’re going to
have to give up a lot, and we did.”
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1100 hrs