The rich got richer during the All-Star break when the Los Angeles Dodgers traded for shortstop Manny Machado. Not only did they acquire a premiere talent, they added Machado to an already-deep lineup while he was in the midst of a career season at the plate.
Entering Friday, the 26-year-old has a 26-game on-base streak. He’s collected at least one hit in all but one of his seven games with the Dodgers.
While Machado had made his presence felt, it wasn’t until Thursday’s series opener against the Atlanta Braves that he clubbed his first home run with the Dodgers. His line drive to left-center field extended their lead to 3-0 in the sixth inning.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts ensured a clubhouse attendant went into the stands to retrieve the ball for Machado, who has raved about his time with the team thus far.
And though the home run wasn’t the first of his career, Machado intends to keep it along with his game-worn jersey, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“Finally got it out of the way, and it came with the win, which makes it so much better,” said Machado. “I’ll keep the ball and keep the jersey. It means a lot to us.”
Machado is 8-for-31 with one double, one triple, one home run and two RBI through seven games with the Dodgers. He’s largely fared well in each contest, save for going 0-for-6 with an intentional walk during a 16-inning loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
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