Machado on his appeal and speculation he could be sent to minors

Manny Machado confirmed this afternoon that he has appealed his five-game suspension handed down by Major League Baseball earlier today. He is in tonight's starting lineup for the game against Boston. "Yeah, of course," he said of his appeal. "Obviously (I) don't want to be down for five days. Need to try and help this team in any way. We have a lot of tough games up on the road. Need to be a part of this team. Been helping this team for a long time and I don't want to be down for so many days." Did he consider just accepting the suspension today and not appealing it? "You know it crossed my mind. But it's a process. See where it goes, see where it takes us. Take it day-by-day," Machado said. Machado said he thought the appeal would be heard next week when the Orioles are in New York. But a player that has appealed can also drop his appeal at any time and begin serving his suspension. So there are a few possibilities with this situation. Was a five-game suspension warranted? "It is what it is," Machahdo said. "I don't make that decision. I can't say how many games I should be suspended for." Machado admitted his situation is a distraction for the team. "It's not a distraction to me, but it's a distraction to this team, this organiztion, this ballclub," he said. "We don't deserve this. We will try to put this behind us. Deal with my consequences and that's it. "Obviously I consulted with everybody (about appealing). My agent, the team, the organization. Going to see where it goes. "You learn from it. You learn from all of it and try to put it behind you and go about your business." Machado was asked about A's pitcher Fernando Abad who was ejected for throwing at him Sunday, but did not get suspended. "He didn't get suspended? I had no idea," Machado said. "I don't really care. He's a part of the Oakland A's organization and I'm a Baltimore Oriole. I did what I did and he did what he (did). We both have to pay for the consequences." He was asked about speculation he could be sent to the minor leagues. In this article from SI.com published Monday, O's vice president Dan Duquette said Machado could be sent to the minors potentially. "That's always an option," Duquette told SI.com. "The kid's proven he can play in the big leagues. He was the defensive player of the year in the American League last year. But he's only, what, 21 years old? He doesn't turn 22 until next month. I think what happened was he got to be a big star in a hurry. Some people need a little more time to mature. I think what we're looking at is a player development issue with Manny. [A minor league assignment] is always an option." Machado was asked if he had heard such speculation. "No I did not," Machado said. "It is what it is. You know I haven't been swinging the bat well and been performing where I need to be performing. Whatever consequences need to be taken by that, it's out of my hands. Can't do anything about it."