Orioles activate Manny Machado from DL, option Steve Lombardozzi

In a move that was announced days ago but delayed due to the weather, the Orioles have activated Manny Machado from the disabled list, where he had been since injuring his knee in September of last year. To make room on the roster, the Orioles optioned Steve Lombardozzi to AAA Norfolk.

Machado played three rehab games with the Frederick Keys before being declared fit for service, and for all of our sakes I hope that is true. I'm confident it is; the Orioles appeared very dedicated to making sure Machado took as much time as he needed before returning. It'll be good to see him, and goodness knows the infield could use the support. But sadly we won't get to see Machado in the first game of the doubleheader for reasons that haven't yet been announced but that which I know I won't understand.

As for Lombardozzi, he was simply the odd man out. He hit better than Ryan Flaherty, but can't play shortstop, and was better defensively than Jonathan Schoop, but isn't a young prospect that the Orioles hope will improve. And with the promotion of Jemile Weeks, who was killing it at the plate for the Norfolk Tides, Lombardozzi couldn't make the cut. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up back with the team sometime this season.

Sadly, the reunited threesome of Team Steve wasn't able to spend even one day together, though both Steve Clevenger and the newly re-acquired Steve Pearce are both in the lineup today.

So welcome back, Manny! We missed you. And farewell, Steve Lombardozzi! You had your moments.