Manny Machado’s injury not as bad as originally feared

Third baseman Manny Machado of the Baltimore Orioles got some good news: He has a torn ligament in his left knee and could be running again six to eight weeks because his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments are fine.

An MRI exam Tuesday revealed Machado has a torn medial patellofemoral ligament. The Orioles hope he can recover without surgery.

The injury occurred Monday during Baltimore’s game at Tampa Bay. Machado was running out a single and stepped awkwardly on the inside of first base. He tumbled to the ground and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.

Indians’ Justin Masterson to pitch in relief

Cleveland Indians All-Star starter Justin Masterson will return from an injury and pitch in relief during the team’s playoff push.

Masterson has been sidelined since Sept. 2 because of a strained abdominal muscle.

Manager Terry Francona said the right-hander could appear in a game as early as Wednesday.

Masterson (14-10) pitched a simulated game Sunday, the final hurdle before he could be cleared to return.

White Sox’s Jeff Keppinger to have surgery

Chicago White Sox infielder Jeff Keppinger will have season-ending surgery Thursday on his right shoulder, Manager Robin Ventura said.

Keppinger has been playing with discomfort in the shoulder since spring training. He batted .253 with four home runs and 40 runs batted in, primarily playing second base and third base. Ventura said the injury affected Keppinger’s throwing more than his hitting.