Even before the news of J.J. Hardy’s recent lower back spasms, the Orioles had planned to play starting third baseman Manny Machado at shortstop in early spring games in preparation for next month’s World Baseball Classic. But a recent development could change that.
Machado was expected to play shortstop for the Dominican Republic’s WBC team, but Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre — who was set to start at third for the Dominican — suffered a left calf strain earlier this week and might not play in the WBC. That could ultimately move Machado to third. Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez are other possibilities for third base if Beltre can’t play.
Ideally, the Orioles would like for Machado to train at third base this spring, especially if they are convinced that Hardy will be ready for Opening Day.
Around the horn: All 52 players on the Orioles’ spring training roster were in camp for Friday’s first day of full-squad workouts. … The Orioles concentrated on team defensive drills Friday, including pitchers covering home, rundowns, outfield relays and pop-ups behind home plate. … Butch Davis, previously the Minnesota Twins’ first base coach, is back in the Orioles’ organization as a minor league hitting coach.
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