Update on Wieters' rehab

Matt Wieters had his right elbow examined earlier today by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, and the news remains positive as the Orioles catcher continues his rehabilitation. "It went well," Wieters said tonight. "He said everything looked good. Just keep progressing." Andrews examined Wieters in Pensacola, Fla. He also has an office in Birmingham, Ala. Wieters underwent surgery on June 17 to replace a ligament in his right elbow, shave down a bone spur and transpose a nerve during a procedure that lasted about 30 minutes. The Orioles remain optimistic that Wieters will be in the opening day lineup after the injury limited him to 26 games this season. He batted .308/.339/.500 with five doubles, five home runs and 18 RBIs and was voted into the All-Star Game, though he couldn't play. Wieters is eligible for free agency following the 2015 season. He made $7.7 million this year and is projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to receive a modest raise to $7.9 million. Manager Buck Showalter, during an interview tonight on MLB Network Radio, mentioned that third baseman Manny Machado is taking ground balls at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota while recovering from surgery in August to repair a partially torn ligament in his right knee. Showalter said the Orioles expect Wieters and Machado to be ready for the start of the season, but they will prepare as if they need alternatives at both positions in case unexpected complications arise in spring training.