masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe All-Star Game may be an exhibition, but the basic rules apply, including how there’s room for only one center fielder in each lineup.
Adam Jones, the only starter for the Orioles, will play left field and bat sixth for the American League. Jones is replacing the Royals’ Alex Gordon, who sustained a groin injury.
AL manager Ned Yost is putting the Angels’ Mike Trout in center field and the Royals’ Lorenzo Cain in right field. All three players normally patrol center during the regular…

The All-Star Game may be an exhibition, but the basic rules apply, including how there’s room for only one center fielder in each lineup.

Adam Jones, the only starter for the Orioles, will play left field and bat sixth for the American League. Jones is replacing the Royals’ Alex Gordon, who sustained a groin injury.

AL manager Ned Yost is putting the Angels’ Mike Trout in center field and the Royals’ Lorenzo Cain in right field. All three players normally patrol center during the regular season, though Cain has moved to right in the later innings as a defensive upgrade.

Jones played 26 games in left field with the Mariners in 2007, starting 11 games. Trout has played 124 in left, Cain only two.

Yost apologized to Jones, a four-time Gold Glove winner, during his press conference, noting that he had three center fielders and only one spot for them.

Jones is playing in his fifth All-Star Game and making his third consecutive start. He’s 1-for-7 with a double, RBI, run scored and three strikeouts. His sacrifice fly in 2009 scored Curtis Granderson with the winning run in the AL’s 4-3 victory.

Jones started in center field in 2013 and 2014, with Trout in left field.

Manny Machado, chosen as a reserve, could end up batting second in the later innings of Tuesday’s game as Josh Donaldson’s replacement at third base.

Adam-Jones-2013-ASG-sidebar.pngHere are the lineups:

For the American League
Mike Trout CF
Josh Donaldson 3B
Albert Pujols 1B
Nelson Cruz DH
Lorenzo Cain RF
Adam Jones LF
Salvador Perez C
Jose Altuve 2B
Alcides Escobar SS

Dallas Keuchel LHP

For the National League
Andrew McCutchen CF
Todd Frazier 3B
Bryce Harper RF
Paul Goldschmidt 2B
Buster Posey C
Anthony Rizzo DH
Jhonny Peralta SS
Joc Pederson LF
DJ LeMahieu 2B

Zack Greinke RHP

Tonight’s Home Run Derby is in jeopardy due to the heavy rain in Cincinnati. Machado is facing Pederson in the first round.