Machado embraced by Orioles fans in his return to Camden Yards

BALTIMORE—If there was any doubt what kind of reception Manny Machado would receive in his return to Baltimore, it was erased shortly before game time when his name was read as the starting lineups were introduced.

Machado’s name received warm applause, and a few minutes later when he came to the plate in the first inning, he was greeted warmly by most of the 21,644 on hand for Tuesday night’s game between the Orioles and San Diego Padres.

In his first appearance in Baltimore as a visitor, Machado stepped out of the batter’s box and waved to the crowd before taking his stance.

“It was awesome,” Machado said. “I came back, and like always, the fans did not disappoint. It was good to come back home.

“I didn’t know what to expect. They go above and beyond. It was truly something special that I’ll never forget. It was just amazing. The fans gave me a standing ‘O.’ It tells you everything about the fan base here.”

Jimmy Yacabonis struck out Machado looking in his first at-bat, then the Padres’ third baseman launched a 455-foot home run in the third, his 100^th home run at Oriole Park.

“It was cool,” Yacabonis said. “I actually faced him a couple of times in spring training, so I wasn’t super unfamiliar. I’ve seen him before in the box. I know what he looks like up there. It wasn’t too overwhelming, but it was cool. It was a good experience.”

He was aware enough to allow Machado to take time to bask in the crowd’s affection.

“I saw it up on the board, so I just took a step off the mound … gave it some time to play out,” Yacabonis said.

Machado added an RBI single against Josh Rogers in the fourth as the Padres beat the Orioles, 8-3.

He walked in the sixth, and popped to first in the ninth.

Orioles flailing: The Orioles’ defeat was the 12^th in their last 13 games, and their record is 22-57. At home, they’re 9-29 and overall have gone 18 consecutive series without winning one. Their last series win came on April 22-24.

Yacabonis worked 2 2/3 innings, allowing five runs. Rogers gave up three as San Diego hit four home runs. The Orioles have allowed 160 home runs in 78 games. Seven of the Padres’ eight runs were scored with two outs.

Hanser Alberto had four hits and is hitting .413 against left-handers.

“In my career I’ve been hitting really good against lefties,” Alberto said. “But this year a little bit different, so I’ve been seeing the ball really well and putting good swings. Sometimes I got some lucky hits. So having good results right now.”

Manager Brandon Hyde has liked what Alberto has done.

“He’s making the most of a unique opportunity here, where guys are getting a lot of major league playing time that they might not get in other organizations,” Hyde said.

Richie Martin hit his fourth home run.

Henderson signs: Gunnar Henderson, the Orioles’ second-round pick, has signed for a reported $2.3 million. Henderson, an Alabama high school shortstop heavily recruited by Auburn, was chosen 42^nd overall.

Henderson will be introduced on Wednesday morning.

The Orioles have signed 31 of their 41 draft picks. The highest remaining unsigned player is LSU outfielder Zach Watson, chosen in the third round.

Means update: John Means, who has been on the 10-day injured list since June 17 with a strained left shoulder, was scheduled for a side session. If Means feels well after the session, he’ll be slated for a start this weekend.

Josh Lucas, on the IL since June 14 with a strained right shoulder, will have to throw a few side sessions, Hyde said, before he can be activated.

Rutschman impresses Hyde: Adley Rutschman spent some time with Hyde, and the manager came away impressed after general manager Mike Elias introduced them.

“I met him this afternoon, came in the office with Mike,” Hyde said. “He’s an impressive young man, sounds like he’s ready to get started. Looking forward to watching him play. I was impressed by the conversations. We talked about 30, 45 minutes. Seems like a great kid.”

Hyde on Machado: Hyde hadn’t seen much of Machado in person. In 2017, the Chicago Cubs came to Baltimore for three games when Hyde was coaching with the Cubs.

“I haven’t seen Manny play much,” Hyde said. “I’ve obviously watched him on TV a lot. As everybody knows here, he’s incredibly talented, really athletic and can do so many things.”

Adding another arm: The Orioles acquired right-handed pitcher Tayler Scott on waivers from Seattle. Scott, the first native of South Africa to play in the majors, started against the Orioles on Friday.

Scott had a 9.39 ERA in five games for the Mariners. He was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

To make room for Scott on the roster, the Orioles designated left-hander Sean Gilmartin for assignment.

Minor matters: The Orioles transferred right-hander Pedro Araujo to from Double-A Bowie to Triple-A Norfolk. Araujo, a former Rule 5 pick, began the season with the Orioles.

Hunter Harvey continues to impress in the bullpen. He threw three perfect innings for Bowie, striking out five to earn his first career save.

Kyle Stowers, the Stanford centerfielder taken with the competitive balance pick who signed last week, was placed on the Low-A Aberdeen active roster.