masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgBOSTON – Manny Machado played five innings at third base this morning in his first extended spring training game. He also received four at-bats and didn’t experience any issues with his left knee or calf.

Machado hit into a fielder’s choice, doubled, struck out and singled.

The Orioles don’t have an extended game scheduled for Sunday, but they could create one for Machado.

Manager Buck Showalter is hopeful that Machado will report to an affiliate next week and begin an injury rehab…BOSTON – Manny Machado played five innings at third base this morning in his first extended spring training game. He also received four at-bats and didn’t experience any issues with his left knee or calf.

Machado hit into a fielder’s choice, doubled, struck out and singled.

The Orioles don’t have an extended game scheduled for Sunday, but they could create one for Machado.

Manager Buck Showalter is hopeful that Machado will report to an affiliate next week and begin an injury rehab assignment, which can last up to 20 days for a position player.

Update: Machado will take off Sunday and play seven innings at third base Monday before serving as the designated hitter Tuesday.

Zach Britton is back with the team this morning. He was sent to the hotel yesterday while suffering from the same flu-like symptoms that have felled other players and hitting coach Jim Presley.

Britton apparently became ill early Friday morning after the Orioles arrived in Boston and received an IV injection at a local hospital.

Showalter said Britton’s absence partially explained why Brian Matusz worked 2 2/3 innings last night in the opening game of the series. However, Britton threw 42 pitches on Wednesday and would have been limited, at best, last night.

Britton joins Matusz, Adam Jones and Evan Meek as Orioles known to have been sent home or to the team hotel due to the virus. Reporters weren’t made aware of Britton’s absence until this morning.