Manny Machado talks about decision to not start both games of doubleheader

So Manny Machado has made his way back to the Orioles' active roster, but not the starting lineup quite yet. The Orioles decided it would not be the best move for him to play 18 innings today, so he'll start the second game of today's doubleheader against Pittsburgh. It's a move Machado had input into and agrees with. "I don't think it's a great idea if I go out and play two games on my first day," he said. "It's all right. Everything happens for a reason. I'm here and I'll be playing tonight." He certainly could get into Game 1 as a pinch-hitter or on defense at some point. "I hope so," he said. "I hope I get a chance to get an AB or even go out there (in the field). That decision is out of my hands." The original plan was to activate Machado Tuesday and start him that night, but the rain changed all that and now his return to the starting lineup will wait another game. After he went 8-for-12 with four doubles, a triple and two RBIs in three rehab games with Single-A Frederick, did the rain slow his momentum a bit? "Not really. I feel good and that is the main part," Machado said. "Just take it day-by-day and go out there and play today and keep the momentum going. Keep working. Just because it was raining out there didn't mean we couldn't be working." Buck Showalter said this is Machado's opening day. Will he have some nerves as he plays in a big league game for the first time since last Sept. 23? "I probably have some butterflies in there. But that's just part of the game. Going to be my first one and just excited for it," he said. Over time, we'll see if Machado can return to play every day or if Showalter gives him an occasional day off in his return to the majors. But Machado said he feels great and doesn't sound like he wants to do too much sitting. "I'm here to play baseball," he said. "I'm going to go out there and play every day. Be me, be Manny, which is give 110 percent every day and play. "Of course you'll be aching with your body, but everyone here since Day 1 is aching. Just something you have to deal with. I feel good about myself, my knee and my body."