masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgIt may be a while before manager Buck Showalter posts his lineup for tonight’s series-opener against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards.

Showalter will need to check the availability of shortstop J.J. Hardy, who’s having his sore left ankle examined by team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens. We’re also waiting for the Orioles to announce Cesar Izturis’ activation from the disabled list and the corresponding roster move.

Tommy Hunter makes his first start for the Orioles tonight, and his first…It may be a while before manager Buck Showalter posts his lineup for tonight’s series-opener against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards.

Showalter will need to check the availability of shortstop J.J. Hardy, who’s having his sore left ankle examined by team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens. We’re also waiting for the Orioles to announce Cesar Izturis’ activation from the disabled list and the corresponding roster move.

Tommy Hunter makes his first start for the Orioles tonight, and his first start in 2011. I’m wondering how long his leash will be, considering that he hasn’t thrown more than 4 2/3 innings this season, and it happened in his first appearance with the Rangers on July 2. Since that game, he hasn’t gone more than 2 1/3 innings (twice).

Hunter has made one relief appearance with the Orioles, allowing one run and two hits in one inning Tuesday night in Kansas City.

Here’s the Blue Jays lineup:
Escobar SS
Thames LF
Bautista RF
Lind 1B
Encarnacion DH
Rasmus CF
Hill 2B
Arencibia C
Lawrie 3B

Mills LHP

Mills is making his second start for the Blue Jays this season. He held the Rangers to two runs and six hits over seven innings in a 3-0 loss on July 30.

Mills allowed two hits in seven scoreless innings in his only career start against the Orioles.