Major League Baseball

Showalter optimistic while awaiting Machado MRI

Published Aug. 12, 2014 5:17 p.m. ET

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BALTIMORE (AP) The Baltimore Orioles spent much of Tuesday waiting out a steady rain and awaiting the results of an MRI on the right knee of third baseman Manny Machado.

One issue was resolved by late afternoon: Baltimore's game against the New York Yankees was postponed until a date to be determined.

The status of Machado's knee, however, remained a mystery. The third baseman was initially diagnosed with a sprained knee after an awkward swing forced him to the ground in the batter's box.

Machado received an MRI later than expected Tuesday. Manager Buck Showalter was optimistic about the expected result.

He said, ''Until everybody weighs in I feel more positive than negative, especially after talking to Manny.''

Machado isn't Baltimore's only injured infielder. Shortstop J.J. Hardy has a sprained left thumb.

Asked if either player was a candidate for the disabled list, Showalter replied, ''I'm not going to handicap it. I don't know yet, but just because someone goes on the DL doesn't mean that he's not going to play again this year, or he's going to have surgery or this and that. Sometimes that does clean it up. Right now we've got rooms for both of them in Chicago and Cleveland.''

The Orioles have a scheduled off day Thursday before opening a three-game series in Cleveland, followed by three games apiece against the White Sox and Cubs.

Showalter said Machado appeared hopeful of avoiding the disabled list for a second time this season. The 2013 All-Star began the season on the DL while recovering from offseason surgery on his left knee.

''He was optimistic (Monday) night. I wouldn't let him be anything else,'' Showalter said. ''Unfortunately, he's had a little experience with it, so he knows the difference. He's joking around and speaking very positively.''

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