Manny Machado might not have to wait much longer before he's cleared for baseball activities.
Manny Machado might not have to wait much longer before he's cleared for baseball activities. (USATSI)

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When Orioles All-Star third baseman Manny Machado visits his doctor later this week, the expectation is that he'll be cleared to begin baseball activities, according to Orioles beat writer Brittany Ghiroli.

Machado continues his quick recovery from a season-ending knee injury that required surgery to repair the medial patellofemoral ligament of his left knee. He had the surgery Oct. 14 and at the time the Orioles announced a four-to-six month recovery timetable. Four months would put him at Feb. 14 while six months would be April 14, so time is of the essence here in terms of getting him in the Orioles' opening day lineup -- which is March 31.

Manager Buck Showalter has already said he'd need Machado to be playing in spring training games by the middle of March in order to consider him for the beginning of the season.

Machado, 21, hit .283/.314/.432 (99 OPS+) with 14 homers, 71 RBI, 88 runs and an AL-best 51 doubles last season. He also made the All-Star team and won a Gold Glove, finishing ninth in MVP voting.