Machado surgery a success

As expected, Orioles third baseman Manny Machado underwent successful surgery today to repair a slightly torn ligament in his right knee.

Machado will remain in Los Angeles for the next three weeks before flying to Sarasota or meeting up with the Orioles.

Manager Buck Showalter said Dr. Neal ElAttrache didn't find anything unexpected in the knee and the timetable remains the same. Machado should be full-go at the start of spring training.

The surgery was done at 9 a.m. Eastern time.

Wei-Yin Chen will fly to Sarasota and throw a bullpen session before returning to the Orioles this weekend. Chen will start Sunday against the Twins at Camden Yards.

As I wrote previously, it's the ultimate paper move. The Gulf Coast League team's season ends before the other affiliates, allowing Chen to stay on turn. In the meantime, the Orioles have an extra bat on their bench after recalling catcher Steve Clevenger.

Showalter indicated that another pitcher could be optioned before Sept. 1 if a need arises. He's taking it on a game-by-game basis.

Dylan Bundy, who stopped by Camden Yards yesterday to speak with Showalter, team executive Brady Anderson and the medical staff, will be invited to the January mini-camp in Sarasota.

The Orioles want Bundy, who's on Single-A Frederick's disabled list with a lat injury, to have a "normal" off-season now that he's fully recovered from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow.

Showalter said he had no idea that fans attending tonight's game were receiving a Darren O'Day T-shirt.

"I'm glad he's being recognized," Showalter said, adding that it's typical of O'Day's modest nature that he didn't know about the promotion.

For the Rays
Desmond Jennings CF
Ben Zobrist 2B
Matt Joyce LF
Evan Longoria 3B
James Loney 1B
Wil Myers DH
Yunel Escobar SS
Ryan Hanigan C
Kevin Kiermaier RF

Drew Smyly LHP