masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles conclude a stretch of four consecutive scheduled home games today with a visit from the Pirates, who will serve as hosts Monday afternoon in Bradenton.

Heavy rains forced the cancellation of Thursday’s game, so it’s three in a row at Ed Smith Stadium.

The Orioles are 7-2 after taking both split-squad games yesterday. The standings are meaningless during the Grapefruit League season, but winning is better than losing, and you can quote me on it.

Nelson Cruz is…SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles conclude a stretch of four consecutive scheduled home games today with a visit from the Pirates, who will serve as hosts Monday afternoon in Bradenton.

Heavy rains forced the cancellation of Thursday’s game, so it’s three in a row at Ed Smith Stadium.

The Orioles are 7-2 after taking both split-squad games yesterday. The standings are meaningless during the Grapefruit League season, but winning is better than losing, and you can quote me on it.

Nelson Cruz is batting second today, with Nick Markakis dropping to fifth. Jonathan Schoop gets another start at second base, while Ryan Flaherty plays third.

Adam Jones is serving as the designated hitter today.

The Pirates are sending a split-squad to Sarasota, but there are some recognizable names in the lineup.

For the Orioles
David Lough CF
Nelson Cruz LF
Chris Davis 1B
Adam Jones DH
Nick Markakis RF
J.J. Hardy SS
Matt Wieters C
Ryan Flaherty 3B
Jonathan Schoop 2B

Wei-Yin Chen LHP

For the Pirates
Starling Marte LF
Neil Walker 2B
Andrew McCutchen CF
Gaby Sanchez DH
Jose Tabata RF
Tony Sanchez C
Brent Morel 1B
Clint Barmes 3B
Michael Martinez SS

Edinson Volquez RHP

Zach Britton, Brad Brach, Eddie Gamboa, Brock Huntzinger, Steve Johnson, Josh Stinson and Kelvin De La Cruz also are available to pitch for the Orioles today.

Suk-min Yoon is flying to Ottawa today, where it’s 10 degrees, to obtain his work visa. He has a meeting scheduled for Monday and hopes to return by Wednesday. Thursday at the latest.

Yoon will throw a bullpen session today before leaving camp. He’s eager to pitch in a game because he’s been ready for a while.