Manny Machado Returns to Shorebirds
Machado got off to a great start through the first 25 games of the season. He batted .333 (30-90) with 20 runs scored, six doubles, five home runs and 21 RBIs. The Miami, Florida native also displayed a stellar eye at the plate, totaling 19 walks to just 14 strikeouts.
Machado was honored by the Baltimore Orioles as the Minor League Player of Month in April. He batted .338 with four home runs and 18 RBIs over the month. The 3rd overall pick in the 2010 draft was also honored by the South Atlantic League as the Player of the Week for the week of April 25 through May 1. The Shorebirds went 7-0 during the stretch and Machado hit .480.
The 18-year old was selected in the first round by the Orioles right behind Bryce Harper (Hagerstown) and Jameson Taillon (West Virginia). As a senior at Brito High School in Miami, Florida, he batted .639 with 12 home runs. Machado is the highest draft pick to ever play for the Shorebirds.
The Shorebirds went 14-15 without Machado.
The Orioles also announced on Sunday that Jonathan Schoop has been promoted to Frederick. Through 51 games, Schoop batted .316 for the Shorebirds with a team high eight home runs and 34 runs-batted-in. Schoop also led the Shorebirds with 45 runs scored.
The 19-year old is the tenth best prospect in the Orioles farm system according to Baseball America.
In addition, Michael Rooney was transferred from Frederick to Delmarva. The 30th round pick in 2010 batted .226 in 26 games for the Frederick Keys. He played his college baseball at UNC Wilmington, the same college as Shorebirds pitcher Cameron Roth.
Parker Bridwell, who debuted for the Shorebirds on Saturday, was transferred to Aberdeen. He is expected to remain with the Shorebirds.
For more information, contact the Delmarva Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.