MLB notes: Machado ’probably’ having knee surgery, source says

A person familiar with the situation tells the Associated Press that Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will “probably” have season-ending surgery on his injured right knee.

The person spoke to the AP on Friday under condition of anonymity because there was no official confirmation of Machado’s plans. A decision was expected this weekend.

Yahoo! Sports first reported earlier in the day that the 22-year-old All-Star was likely done for the year.

Machado is hitting .278 with 12 home runs and 32 RBIs in 82 games for first-place Baltimore.

Machado sprained his knee while taking an awkward swing against the Yankees on Aug. 11. He crumpled in the batter’s box, limped off the field and was on crutches after the game.

Last season, Machado was an All-Star, won a Gold Glove and played in every Orioles’ game he hurt his left knee and missed the final week. He had surgery and didn’t play in a regular-season game this year until May 1.

Farrell: Castillo is ‘exciting, athletic’

Red Sox manager John Farrell calls outfielder Rusney Castillo “an exciting, athletic player.”

The Cuban defector is expected to show off those talents for Boston soon, perhaps within the next week.

Farrell spoke amid multiple media reports that the Red Sox had agreed with Castillo, 27, on a $72.5 million, seven-year contract.

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino declined to comment.

“Above-average speed, can play center field or right field,” Farrell said before the opener of a three-game series with the Mariners.

“What kind of power? What kind of average? Obviously, our scouts liked him enough. If the reports are true, it’s a significant investment and it’s an exciting, athletic player, from all accounts.”

Selig hasn’t changed outlook about Rose

As his term winds down, baseball Commissioner Bud Selig hasn’t changed his outlook on Pete Rose’s lifetime ban for gambling.

Selig visited Cincinnati for the opening of an urban youth academy, then drove down Pete Rose Way to visit Great American Ball Park and the Cincinnati Reds Museum that contains many references to baseball’s hits leader.

Selig declined to talk about Rose’s chances for reinstatement before he leaves office in January and gave no indication that he was willing to lift his ban.