Manny Machado promoted: Orioles prospect could start at third base

The Baltimore Orioles apparently have seen enough of Manny Machado in the minor leagues and will promote him to the majors in time for Thursday’s game against the Kansas City Royals.

Here are some details from Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com:

Orioles selecting Manny Machado's contract. Will make major league debut Thursday—
Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) August 09, 2012

#orioles can transfer Brian Roberts to 60-day DL to make room for Machado—
Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) August 09, 2012

Machado was 3rd overall pick in 2010 draft. He's a shortstop. Hardy isn't moving. Can back up, play a little third. We'll see #orioles—
Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) August 09, 2012

#orioles could option Socolovich tomorrow and return to a 4-man bench. Does Machado start at third base tomorrow?—
Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) August 09, 2012

#orioles are saying Machado won't necessarily start tomorrow. Just that it will be his major league debut when he gets into a game.—
Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) August 09, 2012

Machado has played a grand total of 2 games at third base in the minors, both with Bowie this season #orioles—
Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) August 09, 2012

As Kubatko says, Machado, 20, was the third overall pick in the 2010 draft, behind Nationals OF Bryce Harper and Pirates RHP prospect Jameson Taillon. He was ranked the No. 3 overall prospect in baseball by MLB.com entering the 2012 season, and No. 11 by Baseball America.

In 108 games at Double-A Bowie, Machado hit .266 (.350 OBP), with 26 doubles, 10 home runs, 58 RBIs and 13 steals.

Teams don’t usual promote prospects to sit them on the bench, so expect Machado to get in the lineup sooner rather than later.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com sees him at the hot corner:

#orioles announce they are calling up manny machado, 20. 3rd overall pick from 2010 could be the 3b answer.—
Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) August 09, 2012