Machado not upset by Judge

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado says that recruiting pitch by Yankees star Aaron Judge was no big deal.

“I think it was just blown out of proportion,” Machado said.

Earlier this week, when the Orioles and Yankees played a spring-training game, Judge told Machado that he would look good in pinstripes. The starin fielder is eligible for free agency after this season.

The comment drew the interest of Major League Baseball, and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman later had a conversation with Judge, reminding the reigning American League rookie of the year that the sport takes a dim view of anything that sounds like tampering.

Machado said he didn’t mind. He says he’s attempted to get players for the Orioles, too. Everyone always jokes around about a lot of things, and things that we say on the field usually stay on the field, ”Machado said.

“I’ve told a lot of people they’d look good in black and orange as well, trying to get guys over here,” Machado said. “It’s just part of the game.”

Cubs

Javier Baez quickly shook off any signs of rust at Sloan Park in his first game since suffering a left hamstring cramp March 8. Baez moved laterally with ease as he made a backhanded stop near second base and fired an accurate off-balance throw to in the third inning of a splitsquad loss to the Indians and he ran out of the batter’s box without discomfort after singling in the bottom off the third against Trevor Bauer.

Athletics

Jharel Cotton had planned to build off a promising rookie campaign for the Oakland Athletics. He’ll have to wait another year. The 26year-old righty will have elbow surgery and not pitch in 2018. “It’s tough. I’m missing the 2018 season with my boys, so it’s kind of hard to take.,” Cotton said Saturday.

Astros

Houston starter Charlie Morton gave up four runs, just one earned, in 4⅔ innings against the Marlins. It was the first run he has allowed in three starts this spring.

Cardinals

Luke Weaver, competing for a rotation spot with a good spring, started for St. Louis and threw 4⅓ scoreless innings, giving up one hit and striking out six.