The 62-53 Orioles have 47 games left. If Machado keeps up his current pace, he could make people start asking: Bryce Harper who? Or, who is this Mike Trout guy? At least they won't be asking, Manny who?
Bosox rookie's lucky break
After hearing a bone in his right wrist snap, Red Sox rookie Will Middlebrooks gladly listened to a bit of better news. Boston's third baseman does not need surgery.
"They [doctors] said it should heal just fine without surgery," he said Sunday.
Middlebrooks said he knew he was in trouble the instant he got drilled Friday by a wayward fastball from Indians reliever Esmil Rogers.
"I almost felt the crunch, though I don't know if was just the Velcro on my batting glove," the 23-year-old said.
Middlebrooks, who has 15 homers and 54 RBIs, said he was "not sure" if he will be able to return this season.
Padres sign Kotsay
The Padres have signed first baseman/outfielder Mark Kotsay to a one-year contract that keeps him with the team through 2013.
The 36-year-old went into Sunday's game against the Pirates hitting .275 with one home run and nine RBIs in 55 games. Kotsay has made 15 starts in left field, five in right field and two at first base.
San Diego general manager Josh Byrnes says Kotsay provides versatility, a very good late-game at-bat and "invaluable leadership."
In 16 seasons, Kotsay is a .278 lifetime hitter with 125 homers.
Konerko's concussion
White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko could resume baseball activities as early as Tuesday, the team announced Sunday.
Konerko sustained a mild concussion Aug. 7. He will undergo a thorough concussion-related exam at Rush University Medical Center on Monday. The 36-year-old is hitting .316 with 18 homers and 54 RBIs on the season.
Big Papi keeps on hurting
David Ortiz was out of lineup again on Sunday, the day he had targeted for a return from his right Achilles injury.
"I'm afraid to go out and watch. I don't want him to think that I'm pushing or anything," Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said of Ortiz, who hasn't played since July 16.
The struggling Red Sox hope their DH, who has 23 home runs and 58 RBIs, returns soon: They're just 11-15 without him during his time on the DL.
This article contains information from Inquirer wire services.
