masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe game time temperature is supposed to be 100 degrees. The Orioles are having an abbreviated batting practice and they’re again allowed to wear shorts and T-shirts.

Yes, they’re also hydrating.

“It’s not like the air conditioner comes on for the other team,” manager Buck Showalter said. “We’re both playing in it. And the last time I looked, this game is played in the summer in hot weather, home and away.”

Jake Arrieta, who starts tonight for the Orioles, is 6-0 with a 2.59 ERA in…The game time temperature is supposed to be 100 degrees. The Orioles are having an abbreviated batting practice and they’re again allowed to wear shorts and T-shirts.

Yes, they’re also hydrating.

“It’s not like the air conditioner comes on for the other team,” manager Buck Showalter said. “We’re both playing in it. And the last time I looked, this game is played in the summer in hot weather, home and away.”

Jake Arrieta, who starts tonight for the Orioles, is 6-0 with a 2.59 ERA in eight outings against the American League Central division, dating back to the beginning of the 2011 season. He’s 7-2 with a 3.93 ERA in 13 career starts against the Central.

The Orioles are waiting to receive the results of the MRI on Nick Johnson’s right wrist. Team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens is reviewing it.

endy-chavez-injured-sidebar.jpgOutfielder Endy Chavez is going to seek another opinion on his injured hamstring. He was eligible to come off the disabled list yesterday, but he’s not making sufficient progress.

Chavez did some throwing yesterday and he’s running on an underwater treadmill at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. However, he hasn’t been cleared to run outdoors.

“It’s surprising that he hasn’t had more progress,” Showalter said. “We were real dubious about even putting him on (the DL), but we needed the player and pitcher.”

Last night, catcher Matt Wieters batted sixth for the first time this season. Tonight, he’s batting seventh for the first time.

Part of the reason involves his splits. He’s hitting .409 against left-handers this season, and .196 against right-handers. Also, Showalter believes that lowering Wieters in the order could work to the club’s advantage when the opponent goes to its bullpen in the sixth inning and later.

“It just fits better,” Showalter said, adding that Wieters will bat fifth again at some point this year.

Wieters will be out of the lineup tomorrow or Sunday.

Brian Roberts is batting .196 since coming off the disabled list. He collected seven hits in his first 22 at-bats, but he’s in a 4-for-34 slump.

Are the struggles due to the long layoff?

“I hope so,” Showalter said. “He’s had 55, 60 at-bats in over a year. He’ll be a contributor here. He’s aware. He knows when it’s right and when it’s not. He’ll get there and we’ll reap the benefits of it when he does. He’s already done some good things for us and will again. You’ve got to keep in mind things like that don’t happen overnight. Brian has a real respect for the level of play. These are the best players in the world and no one cares about some of the challenges these guys have had physically. He’ll make somebody pay for it eventually.”

Roberts is still viewed as the Orioles’ best leadoff option.

“You put him on any team and that’s where they’d want to hit him for the most part,” Showalter said. “We’re lucky to have him back and it will happen.”

For the Indians:
Shin-Soo Choo RF
Asdrubal Cabrera SS
Jason Kipnis 2B
Michael Brantley CF
Johnny Damon LF
Casey Kotchman 1B
Lonnie Chisenhall DH
Jack Hannahan 3B
Lou Marson C

Josh Tomlin RHP