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Baltimore Orioles: Struggling Manny Machado Hurting Playoff Chances

By Joe Serpico

Sep 16, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) throws his helmet after striking out to end the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) throws his helmet after striking out to end the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Orioles have fallen out of the playoff chase as Manny Machado struggles at the plate. His numbers in wins and losses are startling.

There is no doubt who is the top player on the Baltimore Orioles. Chris Davis and Adam Jones have the hefty contracts, but Manny Machado is the catalyst and future of the franchise. The team’s success depends on his play, and as of late, it has not been good.

The Boston Red Sox came to Baltimore and swept the O’s, basically eliminating them from any chance of winning the American League East. What is worse is that they have fallen a half game back of the Detroit Tigers for the final AL Wild Card spot.

Machado recorded just two hits during the series and only six during the recent home stand. He is batting .200 and the Orioles have lost six of the eight games at Camden Yards after sporting the best home record in the Majors for much of the season.

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Looking deeper into the numbers, the Orioles really are dependent on Machado’s bat. He is batting .341 in the team’s 80 wins, but just .246 in the 68 losses.

Machado was ineffective in the series against the Sox after Rick Porcello hit him with a pitch on Monday night. Every swing after that was reckless, swinging for the fences every time instead of trying to make contact. Machado had his only two hits of the series last night in the 3-5 loss.

Prior to the two hits Thursday, Machado’s batting average dipped below .300 for the first time since April 8. That was the Orioles fourth game of the season.

Machado was in the discussion of winning the AL MVP for much of the season, but if the O’s miss the playoffs, there is no chance of him winning. He has likely earned himself another platinum glove for his play at third, but his woes at the dish have tempered the MVP talk.

The Orioles will host the Arizona Diamondbacks this weekend in the final home series of the season. The last six games are on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays, who currently hold one of the AL Wild Card spots, and the New York Yankees. If the O’s are going to make the postseason, they need Machado to get it going.

Next: Forget the Division, Any Playoff Berth in Jeopardy

They had a chance to take back the AL East, but that failed. Now, any postseason berth is in jeopardy as the Baltimore Orioles are on the outside looking in. BUCKle up, it’s going to be an emotional nine games to finish the season.

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