MLB Player News

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado could be nearing rehab games, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Machado was able to run the bases without any issues Wednesday. It's one of the final steps before he's able to play in a game. As long as Machado is able to get through the next couple days without any setbacks, he could be in line for an extended spring training game next week. Once he joins a minor-league affiliate, Machado would have 20 days before the team has to activate him.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado didn't encounter any issues while running the bases Wednesday, the Baltimore Sun reports.

It was his first opportunity to run the bases, and he passed the test. He should continue to run the bases through the rest of the week. Machado is slowly working his way back from knee surgery.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (knee) took infield and batting practice, while also hitting five times during a simulated game Tuesday. He did three sprints each from distances of 90 and 180 feet, and he will run the bases Wednesday.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was able to run sprints Monday, according to MLB.com.

Machado ran six sprints at 90 feet. He'll work his way up to 180 feet in the coming days, and will likely play two or three extended spring games before he's ready to return. Machado is recovering after knee surgery.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado got six at-bats in a simulated game Sunday and has been cleared to run sprints Monday, masnsports.com reports.

Machado's simulated game went well, and he'll hope to continue to progress in his return from knee surgery.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, who is working back from knee surgery, is expected to have two at-bats in a simulated game Saturday in Sarasota, the Baltimore Sun reports. His at-bats will come against Johan Santana, however, he won't be allowed to run the bases.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson started the season mired in a 2-for-22 slump, but his struggles at the plate appear to be a thing of the past.

Donaldson collected his third straight multi-hit game and extended his hitting streak to four games during a 6-1 win Thursday against the Twins.

Donaldson homered for the first time this season -- connecting for a two-run homer off Mike Pelfrey in the third inning to give Oakland a 3-1 lead. Donaldson added an RBI single in the sixth inning to extend the lead to 6-1.

Donaldson is batting .368 (7 for 19) over his last four games, raising his season average from .091 to .220. He has five RBI in nine games -- all coming in his last four games.

The power decline Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe experienced from 2012 to 2013 has continued to start this season, but that falls into the category of nitpicking. He has remained on a tear from opening day.

Plouffe has opened the year on an eight-game hitting streak and is tied for ninth in the American League with a .364 batting average. Though 12 of his 15 hits have been singles and he has yet to homer, he owns six walks and a .475 on-base percentage. His improved patience at the plate is apparent. He has never boasted an OBP higher than .309.

Even after a two-hit performance Monday at Minnesota, which included his first double, Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson expressed disappointment with his slow start. He's batting just .161 through seven games.

"I don’t feel good at the plate right now," Donaldson said after Monday's game, per Bay Area News. "I’m trying to battle through it. My problem right now is with my contact point. I’m catching the ball in front or too deep. It’s been a little frustrating. But so far we haven’t played a lot of games."

The good news is that Donaldson was batting just .120 through seven games last season and finished the year with a breakout campaign. Manager Bob Melvin said Donaldson's double to right-center Monday is a good sign.

"He’s at his best going to right-center like that," Melvin said.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is still not running the bases, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Machado was able to run on a treadmill in a pool Monday. He's coming off knee surgery. There's no timetable for Machado's return at this time.