In trading for Manny Machado the Los Angeles Dodgers added one of the game’s top talents, who was in the midst of a career year no less, to a lineup that already presented a significant challenge to opposing pitchers.
Through 96 games with the Baltimore Orioles this season, Machado hit .315/.387/.575 with 21 doubles, 24 home runs, 65 RBI and a 163 OPS+. With the Dodgers, the 26-year-old would be allowed to play his preferred position and be part of a postseason race.
While the Dodgers intended to play Machado at shortstop, there was also an intention to have him spell Justin Turner at third base as well. An injury Turner and Max Muncy’s sudden struggles at the position forced Machado to slide over more than expected.
What also hasn’t gone according to plan is Machado’s lack of production at the plate. While some may attribute it to pressure built from a new environment and the Dodgers battling in the National League West, Machado asserted those are not factors, via Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
Machado insisted he was not affected by any pressure related to joining a playoff contender midway through the year.
“It’s just a long season,” Machado said. “Just things aren’t going the right way. I’ve just got to be better. That’s all there is.”
Machado went 0-for-4 in Sunday’s loss to the Colorado Rockies, leaving him 3-for-14 with one double and seven strikeouts in four games (three starts) at Coors Field. Machado’s frustration seemingly boiled over in seventh inning of the series finale, as he snapped his bat over his knee after striking out.
That marked he end of the afternoon for Machado, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts removed him as part of a double switch. Though, that was believed to be more strategy-based than punishment for the All-Star shortstop expressing that type of emotion.
In 23 games with the Dodgers, Machado is batting .276/.357/.425 with five doubles, one triple, two home runs and five RBI.
