masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles shortstop J.J. Hardy isn’t starting for the second consecutive game, though he’s available as a pinch-hitter.

Hardy said his back feels “100 percent better.” The spasms are gone, but he felt a little tightness while moving around the field. Nothing when he took 25 swings.

Manager Buck Showalter is being careful with Hardy, who said he could have started today if needed.

Instead, the Orioles have all three second basemen in their lineup for the first time this season. Alexi…Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy isn’t starting for the second consecutive game, though he’s available as a pinch-hitter.

Hardy said his back feels “100 percent better.” The spasms are gone, but he felt a little tightness while moving around the field. Nothing when he took 25 swings.

Manager Buck Showalter is being careful with Hardy, who said he could have started today if needed.

Instead, the Orioles have all three second basemen in their lineup for the first time this season. Alexi Casilla is starting at second, Ryan Flaherty is playing shortstop and Brian Roberts is serving as the designated hitter.

For the Orioles
Nate McLouth LF
Manny Machado 3B
Chris Davis 1B
Adam Jones CF
Nick Markakis RF
Brian Roberts DH
Ryan Flaherty SS
Alexi Casilla 2B
Taylor Teagarden C

Scott Feldman RHP

For the Rockies
Dexter Fowler CF
Corey Dickerson LF
Troy Tulowitzki SS
Michael Cuddyer 1B
Todd Helton DH
Nolan Arenado 3B
Charlie Blackmon RF
Yorvit Torrealba C
D.J. LeMahieu 2B

Jhoulys Chacin RHP