Orioles Machado cleared, sign Gonzalez
The Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado has been cleared for baseball activities as he recovers from knee surgery. If you do not remember Machado injured his knee on this play against the Tampa Bay Rays. Machado is an important part of the Orioles and needs to be fully healthy, it is a good sign that he is on pace to make opening day.
The Orioles have also signed shortstop Alex Gonzalez to a minor league contract. Gonzalez is a 36-year-old veteran and is a 15 year major league veteran. Last season Gonzalez batted .177 with one home run in 118 at bats. Gonzalez should provide good minor league depth for the Orioles.
I do not think Gonzalez will make the Orioles out of spring training and will probably spend most of the season down with the Norfolk Tides. Gonzalez should provide a good role model for younger players in the minors.
