masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHow much does manager Buck Showalter want to avoid putting left-handed hitters in his lineup tonight?

Julio Lugo’s starting in left field.

It’s not a huge reach. Lugo has played 18 games in the outfield, most recently patrolling left for one game with the Red Sox in 2008. He played six games in the outfield with the Astros in 2000 and eight more in 2001. He played three in the outfield with the Dodgers in 2006.

“He’s actually played more in the outfield than third base,” Showalter said….How much does manager Buck Showalter want to avoid putting left-handed hitters in his lineup tonight?

Julio Lugo’s starting in left field.

It’s not a huge reach. Lugo has played 18 games in the outfield, most recently patrolling left for one game with the Red Sox in 2008. He played six games in the outfield with the Astros in 2000 and eight more in 2001. He played three in the outfield with the Dodgers in 2006.

“He’s actually played more in the outfield than third base,” Showalter said. “I talked to him a little bit today about it, too. It gets him in the lineup. It’s not something that’s foreign to him. He’s a good athlete. And I’m trying to give a couple guys a day here and there.”

Showalter also considered using Jake Fox in left, “but it works a little bit better late in the game if we have some options there to do some things without hurting us,” he said.

Left-handers are batting .106 against Rangers starter C.J. Wilson, so Showalter is stacking the lineup with right-handed hitters. Luke Scott, Corey Patterson and Felix Pie are on the bench.