Machado, Bundy and Johan making progress
Third baseman sprints at 180 feet as he nears rehab assignment
BALTIMORE -- Orioles third baseman Manny Machado came through his first day of sprints on Monday with no problems, repeating the sprints on Tuesday and working up to three sprints at 180 feet.
Machado did six sprints at 90 feet on Monday and started off Tuesday from the same distance. The plan now is for Machado to cut the bases, which is his last remaining step, on Wednesday. The 21-year-old, who is recovering from knee surgery, suffered a minor setback the last time he cut the bases during Spring Training. Assuming he gets through that step without an issue, he will work toward playing in two or three extended spring games before going out on a rehab assignment.
Johan Santana is throwing live batting practice again on Thursday as he continues to progress from his second shoulder surgery. Santana faced batters on Saturday, including Machado, and is on a five-day rotation-esque progression.
Dylan Bundy talked to manager Buck Showalter Tuesday and continues to progress well from Tommy John surgery. He is throwing his changeup and fastball with plans for him to throw the breaking ball, which is really the last step, in a bullpen later this week.
Rule 5 Draft pick Michael Almanzar (left knee) played five innings in a simulated game on Tuesday and is nearing a rehab assignment.