DODGERS CLINCH MACHADO RACE
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the Manny Machado sweepstakes, getting the prized all-star shortstop from the Baltimore Orioles in a trade Wednesday night. The Orioles received five prospects in the deal: outfielder Yusniel Diaz, right-hander Dean Kremer, third baseman Rylan Bannon, righty Zach Pop of Brampton, Ont., and third baseman Breyvic Valera. Machado, a 26-year-old power hitter with extraordinary fielding skills, greatly improves the Dodgers’ chances of reaching the World Series for a second consecutive year. He led Baltimore in batting average (.315), home runs (24) and RBIs (65). Machado is expected to be introduced in Milwaukee on Friday before the Dodgers open a series against the Brewers. The Dodgers are filling a gaping hole at shortstop created by the loss of Corey Seager, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May.