MLB Player News

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (knee) said Monday he still isn't sure when he will be able to play in a game.

"You want to, but you don't know how this is going to pan out," Machado said of putting a timetable on his return, per MASNsports.com. "The surgery I had for it, you can't put a timetable to it.

"I'm doing some stuff. Not necessarily running, but we're at the point that we need to start strengthening it a little more, just to get back on the ground and start sprinting and getting back to 100 percent. Getting the quads stable enough to continue doing what I've been doing."

Rays left fielder David DeJesus will be the team's leadoff hitter for Monday's season opener against the Blue Jays. He will be followed by right fielder Wil Myers, second baseman Ben Zobrist, third baseman Evan Longoria, first baseman James Loney, center fielder Desmond Jennings, DH Matt Joyce, catcher Jose Molina and shortstop Yunel Escobar.

The Orioles made several roster moves Sunday as they finalized their opening day roster.

The Orioles placed four players on the 15-day disabled list. They were Michael Almanzar (left patellar tendinitis), infielder Manny Machado (knee surgery), outfielder Francisco Peguero (right wrist tendinitis) and outfielder Nolan Reimold (neck). They also placed pitcher Edgmer Escalona (shoulder) on the 60-day disabled list.

The Orioles also selected the contracts of outfielder Delmon Young and reliever Evan Meek, while pitcher Mike Belfiore was desginated for assignment and Johan Santana, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, was reassigned to minor-league camp.

Orioles infielder Manny Machado was able to take ground balls Tuesday, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Machado will begin the year on the disabled list, but the team has been quiet about a possible return date. As long as Machado continues to get through workouts with no issues, he could return shortly after the start of the year. Machado hit .283/.314/.432 in 667 at-bats last year.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (knee) won't be ready for the start of the season and the team hasn't given a firm timetable for his return to the lineup. However, executive vice president Dan Duquette gave a little insight Monday into the benchmark for when the Orioles feel Machado might be ready to return.

"He probably needs at least 50 at-bats to be prepared to compete in the major leagues," Duquette said, per CSN Baltimore.

Royals infielder Danny Valencia was a non-factor on Sunday against the Giants.

Valencia came in for Mike Moustakas as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and finished 0 for 2. He has just two hits in his first seven at-bats since suffering a left hand injury on Thursday. He is hitting .231/.348/.333 with one home run and three RBI in 39 at-bats this spring.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Sunday third baseman Manny Machado (knee) will not be ready for opening day and will be placed on the 15-day disabled list. Showalter said the importance of his message to Machado was as much being ready mentally as physically.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said third baseman Manny Machado (knee) ran Saturday and will do so again Sunday, per The Baltimore Sun. Showalter added Machado's status for the start of the season should be decided soon.

Orioles infielder Manny Machado could test his knee and calf on Sunday, manager Buck Showalter told MLB.com on Saturday.

"He was telling me the two days off really did the calf well," Showalter said. "I would bet he'd probably test that [Sunday]."

Machado had all physical restrictions lifted as part of his return from knee surgery earlier in the week. Once he's ready for game action, he'll play in minor-league games for the rest of the spring.

Orioles infielder Manny Machado has had all physical restrictions lifted as part of his return from knee surgery, after he visited with Dr. Neal ElAttrache Thursday.

Machado has been rehabbing following October surgery on his left knee, and has been cleared to run, hit and field. He is still dealing with calf and hamstring injuries, but the surgery is now in the rearview mirror.

"He looks better every time I see him," ElAttrache told ESPN.com. "His kneecap is tracking normally, his muscle girth is almost the same as his opposite leg and his level of function exceeds where we thought he'd be at this point."

Machado's status for the start of the regular season is still to be determined, as it is not clear when he will begin playing in games.