Orioles plan on activating Machado today

With an opening on their 25-man roster, the Orioles intend to activate third baseman Manny Machado from the disabled list before tonight's series opener against the Pirates at Camden Yards. Machado packed his bags and left Frederick after the Keys were rained out last night. He's joining the Orioles in Baltimore today. The only glitch in the plan involves the weather. Rain is in the forecast throughout the night and into Wednesday, which could cause at least one postponement at Camden Yards. Left-hander Troy Patton must come off the restricted list on Wednesday, necessitating another roster move. And the Orioles are hoping to re-sign outfielder/first baseman Steve Pearce, whose release waivers expire today. First baseman Chris Davis was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a strained left oblique, creating an opening spot on the 25-man roster. Machado went 8-for-12 in three rehab games at Frederick, with four doubles, a triple, two RBIs, a walk and a stolen base. He posted a slash line of .667/.692/1.167. Machado played third base in two of those games. He would have served as the designated hitter last night before the postponement. The Keys' doubleheader today also was postponed due to rain. Machado underwent surgery on Oct. 14 to repair a torn medial patellofemoral ligament in his left knee, a 75-minute procedure performed at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles.