masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles have returned to Progressive Field, where they took three of four games last season, but are 23-51 overall.

I liked it better as The Jake.

Xavier Avery hit his first major league home run in Cleveland on June 29, 2012. A year later, he’s been traded to the Mariners for Michael Morse.

Alexi Casilla is starting at second base today. He’s 10-for-29 with a double, triple, two home runs and 11 RBIs against Justin Masterson. Brian Roberts is leading off as the designated…The Orioles have returned to Progressive Field, where they took three of four games last season, but are 23-51 overall.

I liked it better as The Jake.

Xavier Avery hit his first major league home run in Cleveland on June 29, 2012. A year later, he’s been traded to the Mariners for Michael Morse.

Alexi Casilla is starting at second base today. He’s 10-for-29 with a double, triple, two home runs and 11 RBIs against Justin Masterson. Brian Roberts is leading off as the designated hitter.

Once again, Bud Norris is going for his career-high 10th win. In his 27 starts with the Orioles and Astros this year, he’s received two runs or fewer of support 13 times while he’s been in the game, and three runs or fewer 21 times.

Norris has never faced the Indians.

With his next home run, J.J. Hardy will become the fourth active player and ninth player since 1901 to record three or more seasons of 25-plus homers as a shortstop, joining Alex Rodriguez (seven), Miguel Tejada (six) and Troy Tulowitzki (three). The five retired shortstops with three or more 25-plus home run seasons are Cal Ripken Jr. (eight), Ernie Banks (seven), Nomar Garciaparra (four), Jose Valentin (three) and Vern Stephens (three).

Danny Valencia has recorded six straight multi-hit games dating back to Aug. 4, batting .591 (14-for-22) with four doubles, two homers, five RBIs and four runs scored. The last Oriole to have six straight multi-hit games was Hardy from June 19-26, 2011.

The last Oriole to post seven straight multi-hit games was Vladimir Guerrero from May 14-21, 2011.

For the Orioles
Brian Roberts DH
Manny Machado 3B
Chris Davis 1B
Adam Jones CF
Matt Wieters C
Nick Markakis RF
J.J. Hardy SS
Nate McLouth LF
Alexi Casilla 2B

Bud Norris RHP

For the Indians
Michael Bourn CF
Nick Swisher 1B
Jason Kipnis 2B
Carlos Santana C
Michael Brantley LF
Asdrubal Cabrera SS
Jason Giambi DH
Lonnie Chisenhall 3B
Drew Stuffs RF

Justin Masterson RHP

The Orioles made their roster move official, announcing that left-hander Zach Britton has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk. He’s available in the bullpen.