BALTIMORE -- Star infielder Manny Machado made it clear this offseason he wants to play shortstop, his natural position, and manager Buck Showalter confirmed at Orioles FanFest on Saturday that the club is granting his request.
Machado has played much of his first six seasons in the Major Leagues at third base while J.J. Hardy manned short, but Hardy's departure for free agency this offseason opened up the spot full time for the 25-year-old Machado. Tim Beckham, who the Orioles acquired in a July 31 deal with the Rays last season, will slide over to the hot corner.