masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Closer Zach Britton threw his two-inning simulated game this morning at Tropicana Field, with the Orioles summoning six players from extended spring training to assist him. Britton said it was the best he’s felt.
Britton did extensive fielding drills afterward and is expected to join Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday to begin his injury rehab assignment.
While the extended spring players took batting practice, David Hess ran the stadium steps as part of his conditioning….

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Closer Zach Britton threw his two-inning simulated game this morning at Tropicana Field, with the Orioles summoning six players from extended spring training to assist him. Britton said it was the best he’s felt.

Britton did extensive fielding drills afterward and is expected to join Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday to begin his injury rehab assignment.

While the extended spring players took batting practice, David Hess ran the stadium steps as part of his conditioning. Less than 24 hours after notching his second major league win.

Mark Trumbo remains on the active roster. He’s on the bench for today’s game against the Rays. So far, no roster move is needed.

Trey Mancini is playing first base, Chris Davis is batting sixth as the designated hitter and Craig Gentry is in left field.

Andrew Cashner is making his 11th start with the Orioles and he’s trying to be more economical with his pitches. He threw 96 over five innings in his last outing in Chicago after totaling 103 in 5 2/3 against the Phillies, 111 in six versus the Royals, 114 in 4 2/3 in Oakland, 87 in four against the Tigers and 112 in six against the Indians.

andrew-cashner-side-gray.jpgCashner has made only one career start against the Rays, allowing three runs and four hits over six innings last year for the Rangers. However, he’s pitched twice at Tropicana Field because an August series between the Rangers and Astros was relocated due to Hurricane Harvey, and Cashner allowed only one run and three hits with no walks over eight innings.

Matt Duffy is 4-for-13 with a double against Cashner. Adeiny Hechavarria is 2-for-13 with a double and Wilson Ramos is 3-for-13.

The Rays are starting reliever Ryne Stanek for the first time after 27 career relief appearances. In six games this season, he’s allowed three runs and four hits with three walks and eight strikeouts over five innings.

Stanek faced the Orioles in back-to-back games last month at Camden Yards and was charged with one run in two innings. He served up a grand slam to Manny Machado on May 11 after replacing Jake Faria and striking out Mancini and Adam Jones.

Stanek also faced the Orioles twice in September 2017 and didn’t allow a run in two innings.

Right-handers are batting .328 against Stanek in his career.

Jones has an 11-game hitting streak against the Rays dating back to Sept. 21, 2017. He recorded his ninth three-hit game of the season last night, tied with the Mariners’ Jean Segura for first in the majors. Jones is hitting .368 (14-for-38) with two home runs, four RBIs and seven runs scored in the nine games on this road trip.

Last night marked the first time this season that the Orioles won a game while scoring two runs or fewer and the first since Sept. 13, 2017 in Toronto, and only the fourth while scoring three or fewer.

For the Orioles
Trey Mancini 1B
Adam Jones CF
Manny Machado SS
Jonathan Schoop 2B
Danny Valencia 3B
Chris Davis DH
Joey Rickard RF
Andrew Susac C
Craig Gentry LF
Andrew Cashner RHP

For the Rays
Brad Miller 1B
C.J. Cron DH
Joey Wendle 2B
Wilson Ramos C
Matt Duffy 3B
Mallex Smith CF
Daniel Robertson SS
Carlos Gomez RF
Rob Refsnyder LF
Ryan Stanek RHP