Machado set for Friday debut then on to Aberdeen

By Steve Melewski

Orioles

August 26, 2010, 5:36pm

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O's top draft pick Manny Machado is expected to make his pro debut on Friday when he serves as designated hitter for the Gulf Coast League Orioles. Machado is expected to DH in the Gulf League Friday and Saturday. Saturday is the last day of games in the GCL and Machado is expected to join Aberdeen on Sunday. While Machado is expected to play in games for the IronBirds, it's also possible that he just joins the club for workouts over the season's final days. Machado has been working out this week with the GCL club, as he gets into game shape. It's possible some other players could join Aberdeen or maybe even Delmarva when the GCL season ends. This season for Miami's Brito High, Machado batted .639-12-56 and had 27 doubles in 86 at bats and 44 of his 55 hits went for extra bases. As a junior, he hit .636-8-53. Last summer he helped lead the USA 18 and under national team to the gold medal win over Cuba in the Pan America Junior Championships. He hit .367-2-9 as that club went 8 and 0.