Frederick bound: Machado gets official word after All-Star Game

SALISBURY, Md. - The news that was very expected became official after tonight's South Atlantic League All-Star Game. The Orioles are sending top prospect Manny Machado from low Single-A Delmarva to high Single-A Frederick. Machado played his last game representing the Shorebirds tonight and went 2-for-4 with a run scored as his North team lost 6-3 to the South in front of a sellout crowd. Before tonight's game Machado said he had not been told anything about his next move, but shortly after the game he was told by Delmarva manager Ryan Minor, who was a coach here tonight, that he will join the Keys. They begin the second half at home on Thursday night against Winston-Salem. "Of course, it is exciting to move up the ladder," Machado said. "This game, there is only one goal, to make it to the big leagues. There are steps. Delmarva was the first step, now Frederick. Then (Double-A) Bowie comes and hopefully (Triple-A) Norfolk or straight to the big leagues. It's a honor to be called up and just keep on doing what I've been doing." Machado said he was looking forward to the challenge of the Carolina League. "Better pitching, better players, smarter. That would be a good step to take," he said. Machado has hit .276 with six homers and 24 RBIs in 38 Delmarva games. He was batting just .182 in 13 June games since returning from the disabled list after missing a month with a left knee injury. He said before the game he feels his swing has been coming around and he hit two singles well here tonight to perhaps show that is the case.