Showalter ‘disappointed’ in Schoop’s absence

An Orioles FanFest lineup that was absent of significant star power, including the last-minute removals of and from the event’s roster, was not only noticeable but was a topic of discussion in manager

media session Saturday. Orioles first baseman whose wife had given birth to twins earlier this week, and closer who is in the opening stages of rehabilitating from last month’s Achilles tendon injury, were both given earlier permission to miss the event.

But on Friday — just 24 hours before the event — fans who held vouchers for autograph sessions with Machado and Schoop were informed they weren’t attending.

The team didn’t release the reasons for Machado and Schoop not attending the event — and efforts to reach the representatives for both players on Friday were unsuccessful — but Showalter said Machado had a legitimate reason to miss the event, while indicating that in his view, Schoop did not.

“Jon, I’m not [satisfied with],” Showalter said. “Manny, it’s one of those things I’ve learned over the years ... before you knee-jerk with stuff. I’ve gotten a feel for what Manny’s absence is about. I have a pretty good understanding of that. Jon’s, I don’t. The reasons I’m being given are not very good.” Britton on track: Closer speaking on a conference call from California to the gathered local media at FanFest, said his rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered last month has been progressing as well as expected.

“I’m feeling really good,” Britton said. “I saw the doctor again for my second follow-up of three follow-ups I’ll have, and he was really happy with where I’m at. Maybe a little ahead of schedule, but I’m not skipping any steps. Just picking up the pace on things I’m doing now. More walking, getting comfortable in a tennis shoe again and things like that. That’ll be a week’s worth of physical therapy right there, getting used to walking in a shoe again and making sure my calf muscle is strong enough to allow me to step on a curb awkwardly or things like that without having any issues. That’s our focus, but things are going really well.” Beckham on move to third: After weeks of speculation about whether he would cede shortstop to Machado, found out Friday — the night before FanFest — from Showalter that he’d be swapping spots and moving to third base.

It’s a move Beckham said he’s excited for, and hopes doesn’t become a problem for either himself or the team as the transition takes place.

“I’m open to it, especially if it helps the team and it’s a better fit for the team,” Beckham said. “The end goal is to win ballgames and you don’t want to lose sight of that and I don’t want to make this a big deal. I’m just going to transition over there and continue to make the plays and be consistent.”