Machado on the Home Run Derby and Davis on O's recent struggles

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado said he looks forward to playing in his second All-Star Game and to taking part in the Home Run Derby on Monday night in Cincinnati.

He said today he will have Orioles assistant hitting coach Einar Diaz pitch to him and he admitted he wasn't yet familiar with the new derby rules. But he is excited to take his shot.

"I'm just going out there swinging," Machado said. "I'm going to have fun. I don't really care if I win or not. It is something I always dreamed about and I watched it every year growing up. To be a part of it is a great honor and something I will cherish and remember the rest of my life. And it is great to represent the Orioles in the All-Star Game and I am humbled to be chosen."

Machado is batting .301 with 19 homers and 48 RBIs. Is he concerned the home run competition could mess with his swing?

"You know what, just go out there and not try to do too much," he said. "Won't try to blow out my back or overdo it. Just will look for some good swings and to put on a good show. Keep my same swing and just try to hit the ball hard. If they go out, they go out, if they don't, I guess I will be the one without any homers there. Just looking to enjoy myself."

Meanwhile Chris Davis talked about the Orioles recent struggles which include the team batting 5-for-54 (.093) the last eight games with runners in scoring position and losing eight of the last 10 games.

"The last few days we've been pressing as an offense and pitching staff," Davis said. "The biggest thing for us to remember is we are still well in the mix. We need to go out and have fun. I look around the see guys pressing or they are down about the last game. The season is too long for you to go out and worry about that stuff. Our biggest thing the last few years has been how much fun we've had and the way we've played the game. It is more of a relaxed attitude and we need to get back to that."

The Orioles are 10-4 against the Nationals since 2012 and 29-21 in the all-time series. So is this a rivalry?

"I wouldn't necessarily call it a rivalry," he said. "Us and the Blue Jays is more of a rivalry. But we definitly feel like we have something on the line here. Bragging rights or whatever you want to say. It is fun to compete against the team that is right down the road from you."