masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAs expected, Nick Markakis will sit out tonight’s game while nursing a sore right wrist.

Endy Chavez will play left field and Rule 5 pick Ryan Flaherty will start in right. Chris Davis will bat third, as Markakis vacates the lineup for the first time this season.

For the Orioles:
Endy Chavez LF
J.J. Hardy SS
Chris Davis DH
Adam Jones CF
Matt Wieters C
Mark Reynolds 1B
Wilson Betemit 3B
Ryan Flaherty RF
Robert Andino 2B

Jason Hammel RHP

For the Blue Jays:
Yunel Escobar SS
Colby Rasmus…As expected, Nick Markakis will sit out tonight’s game while nursing a sore right wrist.

Endy Chavez will play left field and Rule 5 pick Ryan Flaherty will start in right. Chris Davis will bat third, as Markakis vacates the lineup for the first time this season.

For the Orioles:
Endy Chavez LF
J.J. Hardy SS
Chris Davis DH
Adam Jones CF
Matt Wieters C
Mark Reynolds 1B
Wilson Betemit 3B
Ryan Flaherty RF
Robert Andino 2B

Jason Hammel RHP

For the Blue Jays:
Yunel Escobar SS
Colby Rasmus CF
Jose Bautista RF
Edwin Encarnacion 1B
Brett Lawrie 3B
David Cooper DH
J.P. Arencibia C
Omar Vizquel 2B
Rajai Davis LF

Brandon Morrow RHP

Jones has hit in 20 straight games, the longest streak by an Oriole since Brian Roberts equaled that total in 2005. The last time an Oriole hit in 21 straight games was Melvin Mora, whose streak reached 23 in a row from May 17-June 12, 2003.

Hammel will attempt to become the sixth American League starter to win four games in May, joining Felix Doubront, Brian Matusz, Chris Sale, Joe Smith and Jerome Williams.

Orioles starters have allowed 17 runs (14 earned) in their last three starts over 13 1/3 innings after permitting 18 runs (all earned) in their previous six starts over 34 1/3 innings.

The Orioles haven’t lost five straight games since Aug. 16-21, 2011.

Wieters has three hits in his last 38 at-bats, with two RBIs and three runs scored. He got his first career ejection last night.

In his last 12 games since May 16, Davis is batting .422 (19-for-45) with a double, four homers, eight RBIs, a .711 slugging percentage and a 1.149 OPS.

Cal Ripken began his consecutive games streak 30 years ago today.