Wei-Yin Chen's seven scoreless innings, with five hits allowed, during a 4-0 win against the Rays Saturday should have been the Orioles' organization's biggest news.

But it will have to share top billing.

Manny Machado, a 2010 first-round pick who is playing for Double-A Bowie, scored three runs and drove in three against Trenton during an 8-7 win. Machado is one of the O's top prospects and is batting .262 with 10 home runs and 57 RBIs for the Baysox this season.

Machado will be with the Orioles during the next year or two as the club tries to figure out whether he is going to be a shortstop or a third baseman. The odds are looking good that he will eventually move to third. The Orioles are also committed to J.J. Hardy at short and if Machado can develop at third, it will answer some longstanding problems for the Birds.

Posted Aug. 5, 2012