Manny Machado apologizes for failing to run out double-play ball during loss
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado heard an unfamiliar sound Tuesday. During the team’s 3-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners, Machado was booed by Orioles fans at Camden Yards after failing to run out a ground ball.
Machado apologized Wednesday, saying, “Next time, I’ll run” and, “There’s no excuse for that.”
Why did Orioles fans boo Manny Machado?
In the sixth inning of Tuesday’s game, Machado came up to the plate with the bases loaded and no outs. With the game tied 1-1, Machado hit a double-play ball to second baseman Dee Gordon. Machado failed to run hard out of the box, and was easily thrown out on the double play. A run came home, giving the Orioles a 2-1 lead, but the fans were not happy with Machado’s effort.
How did Manny Machado respond?
Machado apologized Wednesday and told Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun he takes full responsibility for not hustling on the play.
“At the end of the day, there’s no excuse for not running it out,” Machado said before Wednesday’s game. “I take full responsibility for not running. I should have run hard. It looks bad. It looks bad for people who follow me, people who look up to me, and I fully apologize for letting people down, but next time, I’ll run. There’s no excuse for that.”
Machado’s manager, Buck Showalter, also said Wednesday that Machado is “better than that.”
What happens next for Machado and the Orioles?
Some fans will accept Machado’s apology and move on. Some fans will remain angry with him. Either way, it doesn’t appear Machado will be an Oriole for much longer.
The 25-year-old is a free-agent at the end of the season and the Orioles are one of the worst teams in the majors. It would be a major shock if Machado was still with Baltimore after the trade deadline rolls around. Early rumors have mentioned the Los Angeles Dodgers as an early favorite for Machado.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
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