masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHOUSTON – Nelson Cruz will attempt to extend his hitting streak to 13 games today in the series finale against the Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Cruz is batting .476 (20-for-42) during the streak, with six doubles, eight home runs, 15 RBIs and 14 runs scored.

Cruz’s 12-game hitting streak is the second-longest active in the majors behind Matt Carpenter (13).

Cruz leads the majors in home runs (20) and RBIs (52). He also leads the majors in homers (13) and RBIs (39) on the road.

Nick…HOUSTON – Nelson Cruz will attempt to extend his hitting streak to 13 games today in the series finale against the Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Cruz is batting .476 (20-for-42) during the streak, with six doubles, eight home runs, 15 RBIs and 14 runs scored.

Cruz’s 12-game hitting streak is the second-longest active in the majors behind Matt Carpenter (13).

Cruz leads the majors in home runs (20) and RBIs (52). He also leads the majors in homers (13) and RBIs (39) on the road.

Nick Markakis is serving as the Orioles designated hitter for the third time this season because of a stiff neck that received treatment today. Markakis said his neck has been bothering him off and on since opening day.

Cruz is playing right field in Markakis’ place. Cruz is making his fifth start of the year in right. Markakis is 2-for-7 with two RBIs and a run scored as DH in 2014.

Manny Machado moves back up to second in the order after batting seventh the last three games.

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

Wei-Yin Chen LHP

For the Astros
Jose Altuve 2B
George Springer RF
Dexter Fowler CF
Matt Dominguez 3B
Chris Carter DH
Jesus Guzman 1B
Robbie Grossman LF
Carlos Corporan C
Jonathan Villar SS

Scott Feldman RHP