masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAdam Jones is serving as the Orioles’ designated hitter tonight, with Chris Dickerson starting in center field for the second time this season.

Jones’ right leg was sore last night, but he could have played center tonight. That’s his preference, but manager Buck Showalter took the more cautious route.

“He felt some soreness last night late in the game,” Showalter said. “He feels good today. He’s mad – well, not mad – but he wants to play center field, but I’ll wear it. Just don’t…Adam Jones is serving as the Orioles’ designated hitter tonight, with Chris Dickerson starting in center field for the second time this season.

Jones’ right leg was sore last night, but he could have played center tonight. That’s his preference, but manager Buck Showalter took the more cautious route.

“He felt some soreness last night late in the game,” Showalter said. “He feels good today. He’s mad – well, not mad – but he wants to play center field, but I’ll wear it. Just don’t want it to turn into something. He’ll still be a stolen base threat tonight.”

Jones is 8-for-8 in stolen bases this season.

Jair Jurrjens was clearly disappointed to be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk today. His opt-out no longer applies and he will report to the Tides.

“They’re all tough, anytime you’re sending guys down,” Showalter said. “But there are some people who didn’t think he would get that this year. I think he knows that we’ve shown him and our guys where we’re going when there’s a need. I hope not, but I’m sure there will be another need this year. It could be sooner rather than later.”

Since the start of the 2012 season, the Orioles are 0-3 in extra innings against the Yankees and 19-2 vs. the rest of baseball. The clubs also split a pair of extra-inning games in the 2012 Division Series.

Dickerson’s single in the eighth inning Monday night was the Orioles’ first pinch hit of the season. They were the last team in the majors to record a pinch hit (now 1-for-12).

The White Sox (1-12) and Royals (1-15) are the only other teams with one pinch hit this year.

Nick Markakis recorded his 11th multi-hit game at home Monday. According to STATS, Markakis is tied with Miguel Cabrera and Dustin Pedroia for the most multi-hit games at home in the American League. Howie Kendrick, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau each have 10.

The Orioles have recorded 10 or more hits in nine of their 21 losses, tying them with Giants and Brewers for the major league lead, according to STATS.

Since April 12, Tommy Hunter is 3-0 with a 0.46 ERA and one save in 12 games and 19 2/3 innings. He’s available to pitch tonight.