Quick update on Machado

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 16, 2014, 8:08pm

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Orioles third baseman Manny Machado ran the bases earlier today in Sarasota and did fine, according to a team official.

Machado will be cutting the bases again on Thursday. Assuming there are no setbacks, he will be cleared to begin playing extended spring training games.

Manager Buck Showalter estimated that Machado would play two or three games before going on an injury rehab assignment, which can last up to 20 days for position players. The Orioles would have to determine which affiliate.

Machado ran six sprints at 90 feet on Monday and collected four at-bats in a simulated game. He ran three sprints at 90 feet and three at 180 yesterday and also got five at-bats in a sim game.

Showalter noted this week how cutting the bases would be "another hurdle to cross" for Machado because it's "kind of where he got a little setback last time."

So far, so good.

Minor league medical coordinator Dave Walker has been monitoring Machado's rehab and setting his schedule. Team executive Brady Anderson is expected to fly to Sarasota and watch Machado play in the extended spring training games.

Machado underwent surgery on Oct. 14 to repair his left knee. The 75-minute procedure included an arthroscopy and open reconstruction of the medial patellar femoral ligament. A hamstring tendon was used to graft a replacement for the ruptured ligament.