Baltimore • Despite initial hopes that Orioles third baseman Manny Machado could avoid surgery on his injured left knee, the Orioles' 21-year-old All-Star has decided to undergo a reconstructive surgery on the knee Monday in Los Angeles, the club announced Thursday night.
Machado, who tore the medial patellofemoral ligament a small ligament that connects to the kneecap in his left knee, faces a rehab time of four to six months, but Machado still hopes to be ready for spring training in mid-February.
The procedure will be performed by Dodgers orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles.
When Machado injured his knee after landing awkwardly on first base and falling to the ground during a game on Sept. 23, the Orioles feared the worst - that he had torn a major ligament in the knee, the ACL or MCL.
Cubs announce deal with Sweeney
The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a two-year contract with outfielder Ryan Sweeney that includes a club option for 2016.
The team announced the agreement Thursday.
Sweeney is due $1.5 million in 2014 and 2015, with the Cubs holding a $2.5 million option for 2016 with a $500,000 buyout clause.