Dodgers finally complete trade for shortstop Manny Machado

Manny Machado will be suiting up at Miller Park on Friday night.

Unfortunately for the Milwaukee Brewers, it's going to be as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

After a brief stop-and-start earlier in the day, the Dodgers were able to trade for the all-star shortstop and biggest offensive upgrade available Wednesday.

Heading to the Baltimore Orioles is a package of five minor-leaguers, headlined by the Dodgers' fourth-best prospect, outfielder Yusniel Díaz.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, MLB Network's Jon Heyman and others reported the trade.

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The Brewers had been rumored for the last couple weeks as a serious suitor for Machado as they looked to bolster what has been an inconsistent offense.

A trade for a superstar like Machado -- who hits free agency at the end of the season -- would have been much like Milwaukee's 2008 trade for Cleveland's CC Sabathia.

While the Brewers have a minor-league system containing a number of talented players, various reports suggested they were hesitant to surrender at least one of their best -- right-hander Corbin Burnes, who currently is pitching out of the bullpen with the major-league team.

The Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees also reportedly were involved in Machado trade talks with Baltimore.

With the biggest trade target now off the table, it's possible Brewers general manager David Stearns will look to make multiple, smaller trades to try and bolster several areas on the team.

Another trade rumor that was circulating last week had Milwaukee checking with the Minnesota Twins on second baseman Brian Dozier and shortstop Eduardo Escobar, two positions that the Brewers undoubtedly would be looking to upgrade.

The Brewers also have gotten little production behind the plate – especially with starter Manny Piña on the disabled list in recent weeks – and also could be considering adding to their bullpen.

Stearns is expected to address the Machado pursuit with the media on Thursday.

Albers getting closer: Reliever Matt Albers, on the disabled list since June 12 with a right-shoulder issue, was slated to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Wednesday night with Class A Wisconsin.

Freddy Peralta was scheduled to start Wednesday for the Timber Rattlers, and Piña was to join the team Thursday and begin a minor-league rehab assignment by serving as designated hitter.

Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this report