masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles shortstop J.J. Hardy is on the bench today for the series opener in Detroit.

Matt Wieters isn’t starting, but that’s no surprise. Steve Clevenger figured to catch a day game following a night game and delayed departure.

Jonathan Schoop makes his first start at third base, with Ryan Flaherty shifting to shortstop. Steve Lombardozzi is starting at second base.

For the Orioles
Nick Markakis RF
David Lough LF
Adam Jones CF
Chris Davis 1B
Nelson Cruz DH
Steve Clevenger C
Jonathan…Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy is on the bench today for the series opener in Detroit.

Matt Wieters isn’t starting, but that’s no surprise. Steve Clevenger figured to catch a day game following a night game and delayed departure.

Jonathan Schoop makes his first start at third base, with Ryan Flaherty shifting to shortstop. Steve Lombardozzi is starting at second base.

For the Orioles
Nick Markakis RF
David Lough LF
Adam Jones CF
Chris Davis 1B
Nelson Cruz DH
Steve Clevenger C
Jonathan Schoop 3B
Ryan Flaherty SS
Steve Lombardozzi 2B

Miguel Gonzalez RHP

Update: Showalter told reporters in Detroit that Hardy woke up with neck spasms and is out of the lineup as a precaution. Showalter’s pregame interview will air on “O’s Xtra” that begins at 12:30 p.m. on MASN2 HD.

Update II: The Orioles are saying it’s Hardy’s lower back, not his neck. Either way, he’s expected to play Saturday.