Orioles activate Manny Machado from disabled list

The Baltimore Orioles activated third baseman Manny Machado from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder Steve Lombardozzi to triple-A Norfolk (Va.).

Machado hasn’t played in the majors since undergoing left knee surgery last October.

Machado takes the roster spot vacated by first baseman Chris Davis, who was put on the 15-day DL Sunday because of a strain on his left side. Davis had a platelet-rich-plasma injection on Monday.

Lombardozzi was optioned to make room for Steve Pearce, who was signed to a major league contract Tuesday after being designated for assignment last week. Lombardozzi batted .292 in 19 games this season.

Chen probably headed to DL

The Kansas City Royals expect to put left-hander Bruce Chen on the disabled list because of a swollen disk in his back that has already caused the club to juggle its starting rotation.

Chen was supposed to throw a side session Thursday, but Manager Ned Yost said the 37-year-old left-hander was in pain even before he made it to the mound. Chen’s anticipated move to the DL means that Yost will have to find someone to start in his place Saturday against Detroit.