MLB Player News

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.

Phillies third baseman Cody Asche will be the team's starting third baseman, beating out prospect Maikel Franco for the spot, MLB.com.

Even with Franco sent down to the minors, Asche isn't ready to take anything for granted. Asche is hitting .175 with two doubles, three homers and six RBI in 16 Grapefruit League games.

"Until my name is on the lineup card Day 1, it's anybody's job still. I can't take anything for granted, whoever is down or whoever is here."

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.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado underwent X-rays on his injured left hand, which came back negative, the team announced. He is listed as day to day.

Arenado was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Indians after being hit on the left hand by a pitch. He was later diagnosed with a bone contusion in his left hand.

Arenado owns a .308/.357/.564 slash line with two homers and five RBI in 39 at-bats this spring.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado was forced out of Saturday's Cactus League game after being hit on the left hand by a pitch.

Arenado was plunked by Corey Kluber in the sixth inning, which forced him out of the game. He was diagnosed with a bone contusion in his left hand and will undergo precautionary X-rays on Saturday, according to the Denver Post.

Arenado is hitting .308/.357/.564 with two homers and five RBI in 39 at-bats this spring.

The Padres reassigned infielder Jace Peterson to minor-league camp Friday. He went 5 for 28 with four walks this spring with the Padres.

Brewers shortstop Jean Segura will not play Friday for the second straight day due to arm soreness, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The issue is believed to be minor, and Segura should be able to return to action within the next few days.

Nationals manager Matt Williams said Friday that he's not ready to name a starter at second base, CSNWashington.com reports.

Anthony Rendon, who has hit .344/.421/.500 in 32 at-bats this spring, is the heavy favorite to serve as the regular second baseman. Danny Espinosa is likely ticketed for a utility role.

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. 

Royals infielder Danny Valencia is day to day moving forward, after X-rays taken on his left hand came back negative. The team announced Valencia did not suffer a fracture in his hand after being hit by a pitch in Thursday's spring training game.