masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgShortstop J.J Hardy won’t be in the starting lineup tonight when the Orioles open a three-game series against the New York Yankees. Hardy’s sprained left thumb has not sufficiently healed, and Ryan Flaherty will start in his place at shortstop.
Hardy said the thumb feels about the same as it did yesterday. He would have to alter his grip if he held a bat, but the Orioles don’t want him to do that.
First baseman Chris Davis, whose average is down to .193 (its lowest point since April 3), will…

Shortstop J.J Hardy won’t be in the starting lineup tonight when the Orioles open a three-game series against the New York Yankees. Hardy’s sprained left thumb has not sufficiently healed, and Ryan Flaherty will start in his place at shortstop.

Hardy said the thumb feels about the same as it did yesterday. He would have to alter his grip if he held a bat, but the Orioles don’t want him to do that.

First baseman Chris Davis, whose average is down to .193 (its lowest point since April 3), will also take a seat. With left-hander Chris Capuano pitching for the Yankees, Steve Pearce will play first base and hit sixth.

Delmon Young is hitting fifth and playing left field, with Nelson Cruz serving as the designated hitter.

For the Yankees:

Brett Gardner LF
Derek Jeter SS
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Carlos Beltran DH
Chase Headley 3B
Stephen Drew 2B
Martin Prado RF
Francisco Cervelli C

Chris Capuano LHP

For the Orioles:

Nick Markakis RF
Manny Machado 3B
Adam Jones CF
Nelson Cruz DH
Delmon Young LF
Steve Pearce 1B
Caleb Joseph C
Ryan Flaherty SS
Jonathan Schoop 2B

Bud Norris RHP