The Orioles have officially promoted top prospect Manny Machado, who will play third base and bat ninth on Thursday against the Royals. The move fortifies Baltimore's infield and indicates that they are set on trying to win in 2012. "The guy's got a lot of talent, and we feel like he can help," executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said of Machado. "Manny should be a plus-defender, wherever we play him. He's a five-tool player, and he can help our team. I think he improves our team, and it's important here [for this club] to be strong."