Manny Machado to start on DL

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will start the season on the 15-day disabled, manager Buck Showalter announced on Sunday.

Machado, who had left knee surgery Oct. 14, had visited his Los Angeles-based surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Thursday and was given the go-ahead to resume all activities.

However, Showalter doesn't want to rush the 21-year-old All-Star, who injured his knee at Tampa Bay on Sept. 23.

"The thought of him starting the season on the active list is not realistic," Showalter said.

After Machado's surgery, a 4 to 6 month recovery was forecast.

Showalter said that he expected Machado to play again next month.