Reports indicate Machado will go to Dodgers

Reports indicate Manny Machado could be playing Friday night at Miller Park.

But not for the Milwaukee Brewers. Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that the Baltimore Orioles are expected to trade Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers once the All-Star Game is in the rear-view mirror. The Dodgers play the Brewers this weekend at Miller Park.

Jon Heyman of Fancred.com also is reporting that it looks as if Machado will be going to the Dodgers:

According to Heyman, the key to negotiations swinging in L.A.'s favor is the Dodgers' willingness to trade one of their top prospects:

So, nothing is official yet but it's not looking good for the Brewers, who have been one of the teams prominently mentioned as being in the thick of the bidding for Machado, the top bat on the trade market. Machado is a free agent after the season, and the Orioles are having a dreadful season, leading to the decision to deal him now.

The Brewers have an obvious need at shortstop, having demoted Orlando Arcia to the minors for not hitting. The Phillies also have been mentioned as a leading contender for Machado's services and were reported to be the leader a few days ago.

All of these negotiations are fluid, obviously. Brewers general manager David Stearns doesn't comment on trade discussions, so there is no way to know what he's offered for Machado, who is a two-month "rental." It is unlikely Stearns would part with many of his top prospects, however, as he looks to the future in building the Brewers into a consistent contender.

If Machado indeed goes to the Dodgers, look for Stearns to explore other opportunities to boost his club, which fell behind the Cubs in the National League Central with a dreadful week before the all-star break.

Before the game Tuesday night, Machado insisted he knew nothing of a deal.

Answering many of the same queries he’s fielded for months, Machado said: “I haven’t heard anything. I’m just worried about the game today, and whatever happens moving forward will happen. There will be a time and place for everything.”