masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgNEW YORK – Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson said Conor Jackson’s decision to retire today wasn’t related to a physical ailment.

“He just said at this point, his heart wasn’t in it right now and that was it,” Johnson said. “It wasn’t a physical issue. He’s been playing down here. It’s just a personal decision he made and I’ve got a lot of respect for Conor Jackson.”

Johnson preferred to keep the rest of the conversation private.

“I have a lot of respect for him as a player and…NEW YORK – Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson said Conor Jackson’s decision to retire today wasn’t related to a physical ailment.

“He just said at this point, his heart wasn’t in it right now and that was it,” Johnson said. “It wasn’t a physical issue. He’s been playing down here. It’s just a personal decision he made and I’ve got a lot of respect for Conor Jackson.”

Johnson preferred to keep the rest of the conversation private.

“I have a lot of respect for him as a player and a person,” Johnson said. “It’s a decision he had been wrestling with.”

Jackson was 5-for-25 with the Tides this season and figured to have his contract purchased by the Orioles during the summer, considering how they used 52 players last season and he was the last cut in spring training.

Looking ahead to the Tampa Bay series at Camden Yards, Jake Arrieta will oppose Roberto Hernandez on Tuesday, Chris Tillman will oppose Matt Moore on Wednesday and Miguel Gonzalez will oppose David Price on Thursday.

The Orioles have scored first in 10 of their 11 games this season, going 6-4 overall and 5-2 on the road.

J.J. Hardy is 1-for-14 lifetime against Hiroki Kuroda, who starts tonight for the New York Yankees. The one hit is a home run.

Nate McLouth is 4-for-20. Matt Wieters is 2-for-10. Nick Markakis is 3-for-7. Adam Jones is 3-for-10.