masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWASHINGTON – Rain continues to fall at Nationals Park. People here sound confident that the game will be played. No word on contingency plans if there’s a postponement.
Manager Buck Showalter said Adam Jones is out of the lineup due to back spasms. Jones wasn’t available to start tonight, but might be able to play later if needed.
“We’ll see what the rest of the game brings,” Showalter said.
Showalter said Jones would have played if able. Jones received treatment on his back earlier…

WASHINGTON – Rain continues to fall at Nationals Park. People here sound confident that the game will be played. No word on contingency plans if there’s a postponement.

Manager Buck Showalter said Adam Jones is out of the lineup due to back spasms. Jones wasn’t available to start tonight, but might be able to play later if needed.

“We’ll see what the rest of the game brings,” Showalter said.

Showalter said Jones would have played if able. Jones received treatment on his back earlier today.

jones-throws-gray-front-sidebar.jpgShowalter added that in this instance, Jones at 70 percent isn’t as good as someone else at 100 percent. That’s not always the case.

Junior Lake gets the start in center field based on his experience at the position. The Nationals are starting left-hander Gio Gonzalez and Showalter preferred a right-handed hitter over Gerardo Parra.

Tyler Wilson will start Wednesday’s series finale against the Nationals. Mike Wright is available in the bullpen tonight.

Showalter wanted to make sure that Wilson’s oblique was fine before confirming the start. Wilson will have to taking batting practice leading up to the game and hit on Wednesday.

Miguel Gonzalez will pitch a simulated game here on Wednesday, but Showalter said it’s doubtful that the right-hander will be ready to pitch this weekend at Fenway Park. Showalter said he’ll confer with pitching coach Dave Wallace.

Matt Wieters will catch the next two nights. His left wrist is more sore when batting from the right side.

Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson and pitching coach Mike Griffin have joined the Orioles. Double-A Bowie pitching coach Alan Mills will replace Griffin during the final homestand.