MLB Player News

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. 

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.  

Royals infielder Danny Valencia was forced to leave Thursday's spring training game against the Angels after being hjt on the left hand, but he appears to have avoided a serious issue. According to the Kansas City Star, manager Ned Yost said Valencia is fine, but he is expected to undergo an X-ray Friday to determine the extent of the injury.

Valencia is batting just .206 in 34 spring at-bats, and is expected to serve as a utility infielder for the Royals this season. 

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson went 1 for 4 in Wednesday's 13-3 win over the Indians after missing the last two days with calf tightness.

Donaldson is just 8 for 34 this spring but does have two home runs, seven RBI and five walks to his credit. He'll be looking for a repeat of last year's breakout season in 2014.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson is slated to return to the spring lineup Wednesday against the Indians. Donaldson has been sidelined since leaving Sunday's game due to right calf tightness.