Pregame notes on Machado, Patton, Schoop and more

BOSTON - Orioles third baseman Manny Machado has normal soreness today "in the right places," according to manager Buck Showalter, following yesterday's extended spring training game in Sarasota.

Machado will play seven innings at third base on Monday and serve as the designated hitter on Tuesday. He could begin his minor league injury rehab assignment later in the week, with the affiliate still undetermined.

"I think when he gets that nine-inning game under his belt in extended spring, we'll have a better idea," Showalter said.

Left-hander Troy Patton will report to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday and spend eight days with the Tides before the Orioles are required to active him from the restricted list.

"He'll face a hitter on the 22nd, take a day off and pitch a clean inning and then we'll take each day as it comes after that," Showalter said. "We'll see how those outings were. Instead of mapping out the whole eight days, after the first two outings we'll step back and take a look at where we are."

The Orioles have to figure out a way to make room for Patton in a bullpen that doesn't have an obvious opening.

"Troy will have served his time and hope he does well in Norfolk," Showalter said.

Showalter had expressed a desire to keep Jonathan Schoop at one position rather than move him around the infield. However, Schoop is starting at second base tonight.

"I just don't want him to get too far away from second base," Showalter said. "I want him to play some over there, too. When Manny comes back, I want to keep all our options open, so I don't want him to play just at one place.

"He's fine either place. I think it's good for him to stay connected to both places because we don't know how Manny's going to do. He may have a setback tomorrow. You never know what's going to happen, so I want to keep all our options open.

"I just don't want (Schoop) to get too far from second. I think that's where he may end up. Who knows?"

The Orioles still haven't settled on rehab assignment dates for pitchers Johan Santana and Dylan Bundy, who continue to throw in Sarasota.

"They've got some bridges to cross," Showalter said. "One guy (Bundy) hasn't even thrown a breaking ball yet. Once they're in sim games, then I get a better idea on how they feel after their starts.

"I'm encouraged with Johan's velocity. I didn't think it would come this fast."

Showalter heard about the Tigers releasing infielder Alex Gonzalez this morning.

"I talked to Dan (Duquette) today and was kidding him," Showalter said. "I said, 'Did you get a call from Gonzo's agent yet?'"

Could the Orioles sign Gonzalez to another minor league deal?

"I'll call R.J. (Ron Johnson) and see if he has a need," Showalter said.