Machado update, and Showalter on 9-3 loss

Manny Machado is scheduled to serve as the designated hitter Monday at Single-A Frederick after collecting four hits today. Machado doubled twice, singled twice, stole a base and scored two runs. He's collected eight hits in three rehab games. "Talked to him a little bit today," said manager Buck Showalter. "We'll see after the game how he feels. Right now the plan is for him to DH (Monday) in Frederick. See if something has changed." The Orioles are giving serious consideration to activating Machado from the disabled list on Tuesday. They don't want to send him to Triple-A Norfolk on Monday if he might end up in Baltimore the following day. As for today's game at Camden Yards, Miguel Gonzalez allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in six innings. The defense wasn't sharp, and the Orioles absorbed a 9-3 loss to the Royals to fall back to .500 this season. "I actually thought he was carrying pretty good stuff," Showalter said. "Deserved a better fate. You give them, probably three runs we gave them? When facing somebody as good as (James) Shields and especially the stuff he was carrying today, there wasn't much margin for error. Pitching or defensively. "We gave them some things we don't normally give them." Adam Jones dropped a fly ball for a three-base error, the Orioles failed to execute a rundown, and they failed to throw out Jarrod Dyson on a stolen base attempt despite pitching out. David Lough bobbled a ball in left field that eliminated a play at the plate, though he later made this sensational diving catch that will be replayed countless times on SportsCenter. "We made a couple of good decisions with pitch-outs. We weren't able to execute that. Should be two free outs," Showalter said. "Then obviously, Adam's one of the best center fielders in the game, so I'm not going to lament that at all. He's been a rock for us out there. "You spot them, give them those type of things that they don't earn, with Shields on the mound, that's not a good combination." Shields allowed two runs and three hits over seven innings. "Kind of what he's been doing," Showalter said. "Plus cutter, late recognition, looks like a fastball. Changeup's always been a well-above pitch for him. Command, and making use of early on getting about a ball off the plate called for a strike. But he didn't need any help, believe me." The Orioles are off Monday before hosting the Pirates in a two-game series. Chris Tillman starts on Tuesday and Bud Norris is the confirmed starter for Wednesday. "I shouldn't say whether we'll stay lined up after that," Showalter said. "I haven't heard anything on the contrary yet, but we're going to look at it a little bit when the smoke clears after the off day. Probably a little bit today." The Orioles are 1-5 in series against American League Central teams dating back to July 2013. They're now 0-6 at home this season when the opponent scores first.