PT TOMORROW: AL East—Post-Machado, Nunez gets first crack at 3B in BAL

Baltimore Orioles

Updating Matt Dodge’s write-up in Playing Time Today in the immediate aftermath of the Manny Machado (SS, LAD) trade, the Orioles have given the first three post-All-Star-break starts at third base not to Danny Valencia (3B, BAL), but to Renato Núñez (3B, BAL). While this decision may have to do somewhat with the fact that Valencia is currently the best available right fielder on the roster, the team seems genuinely intrigued to find out what it has in Nunez, who had posted a .289/.361/.443 line in 56 games for AAA-Norfolk before being called up after the Machado trade. Nunez had a 76% contact rate, a slight improvement over the 74% he posted at the same level in 2017.

Longer term, the Orioles continue to hope that...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

For our final PT Tomorrow NL East column of 2026, we look past mañana and into the offseason and beyond--then stop for a well-earned rest.
Sep 25 2026 10:03am
As the 2026 season winds down, these players are just getting started
Sep 18 2026 3:05am
The AL West has some interesting options for some new playing time heading into 2027.
Sep 17 2026 3:03am
A slugging Yohandy Morales tries to pound out a spot for himself on the 2026 Nationals and beyond. Plus: SS in ATL; bench in PHI; Marsee in MIA; Tong at NYM; more.
Sep 15 2026 10:05am
This week, we point out an under-the-radar option in L.A., welcome starting pitchers back to Arizona and San Diego, check in on a favorite of ours in Colorado, and take a closer look at the Giants' starting rotation.
Sep 12 2026 3:05am

Tools