CHICAGO -- Manny Machado was back in the starting lineup Monday after a four-game absence, as the three-time All-Star returned after missing time with a strained left wrist.
Machado was hitting third and playing third base in the series opener against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field after successfully going through batting practice earlier in the day.
Machado is still dealing with some discomfort in that left wrist, but added that the swelling has gone down and he doesn't believe his wrist will impact him hitting or fielding ground balls.
"It's getting there," Machado said. "We've been working hard, getting the treatments during the game and all day basically. We had to get that swelling out of there and it's out of there. There's still a little discomfort in there, but nothing too serious, not too painful."
The 24-year-old suffered the injury June 7 on Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen's slide on a stolen-base attempt, with McCutchen's cleat catching Machado's left wrist. Machado was out of the lineup for a makeup contest against the Nationals on June 8, as well as the entire three-game series against the Yankees in New York.
The Orioles lost each of their four games in Machado's absence, getting outscored 44-9 during that stretch. Machado was hitting .213/.289/.430 with 12 homers and 27 RBIs in 56 games this season before sustaining the injury.
Worth noting
• The Orioles recalled right-hander Miguel Castro from Double-A Bowie and optioned right-hander Logan Verrett to Triple-A Norfolk prior to Monday's game against the White Sox.
Verrett came out of the bullpen for the Orioles against the Yankees, giving up three runs (two earned) in 2 2/3 innings of work while taking a no-decision in a 14-3 loss. Verrett is 2-0 with a 4.22 ERA over four outings in the Majors this season.
Castro is making his second trip to the Majors with the Orioles this season after working a pair of relief appearances last month. He was sent to Bowie to work on starting and long relief work. He has a 5.59 ERA in five appearances for Bowie this season.
• Orioles closer Zach Britton threw a 30-pitch bullpen session in extended spring training Monday, and is on track to throw to live hitters on Thursday, manager Buck Showalter said. Due to expected poor weather conditions, Britton will face live hitters at Class A Advanced Frederick on Thursday. If all goes well, he will begin a rehab assignment with short season Aberdeen on Monday.
• Orioles infielder Ryan Flaherty threw for the first time since sustaining a right shoulder strain on Monday, throwing 25 times from 60 feet according to Showalter.
• Orioles first-base coach Wayne Kirby is expected to miss Wednesday's game while attending his daughter's high school graduation.