Before the 2018 season, then-Baltimore Orioles infielder Manny Machado insisted on playing shortstop instead of third base to boost his value.
As he was speculated about as a trade chip during the All-Star break, however, Machado expressed a willingness to play either position in order to help his new team win. He reiterated that stance upon joining the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Although there was intent to leave Machado at shortstop, they already are calling on his willingness to return to third base because Justin Turner was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a groin strain.
Turner had missed the previous week with the groin injury, then only lasted 2.2 innings Sunday before coming out of the game. Machado started at third base in Monday’s series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Machado’s willingness to play wherever he was needed, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“To replace Turner with Manny and not compromise the defense, that’s big for us,” said Roberts. “Manny was traded here to be a shortstop, and we understand that. The conversation I had with Manny last night was easy. He wanted to do whatever it was that helps the ballclub win. In this situation, it makes a lot of sense to have him play third. I can’t say enough about Manny and his willingness to do whatever asked for the ballclub.”
The Dodgers had relied on Max Muncy as Turner’s primary backup at third base. Although Muncy’s bat will keep him in the lineup, his rough defense at the hot corner has already cost the team.
Machado’s ability to return to third base, where he played almost exclusively during his first six seasons in the major leagues, gives the Dodgers a much better option. Machado is having his best season yet at the plate, and Dodgers certainly will not lose any defense at third with him.
As Roberts alluded to, however, Machado will mainly play shortstop for the team, particularly once Turner returns.
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