masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Jonathan Villar is leading off tonight for the Orioles, who open a three-game series against the Rays at Tropicana Field, and Chris Davis returns to the lineup after sitting out the last two games in Texas.
Jace Peterson is in right field. Mark Trumbo is batting fourth as the designated hitter.
Caleb Joseph is catching.
The Orioles are leading the American League in hitting with a .300 average (160-for-533) and slugging percentage (.499) since the All-Star break. They’ve…

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Jonathan Villar is leading off tonight for the Orioles, who open a three-game series against the Rays at Tropicana Field, and Chris Davis returns to the lineup after sitting out the last two games in Texas.

Jace Peterson is in right field. Mark Trumbo is batting fourth as the designated hitter.

Caleb Joseph is catching.

The Orioles are leading the American League in hitting with a .300 average (160-for-533) and slugging percentage (.499) since the All-Star break. They’ve recorded 160 hits in 15 games to place them second behind the Rangers (167 in 17 games), and their 93 runs scored also rank second behind the Rangers (111).

The 26 home runs are tied for second in the American League.

Sunday’s game in Texas marked the 13th time in Orioles history that their bullpen allowed one hit or fewer in at least seven innings. The last time it happened was June 7, 2009 in Oakland. The 12 strikeouts were the most in a game by the bullpen since the unit fanned 12 over nine innings July 6, 2016 at Dodger Stadium.

Trey-Mancini-swing-gray-sidebar.jpgDanny Valencia and Trey Mancini were on the field today for early batting practice.

A scoring change in Friday night’s game removes one of David Hess‘ two errors on the same play. Elvis Andrus is credited with an infield hit, but the run still is unearned.

Adam Sparks has been selected by his peers as the Gulf Coast League Athletic Trainer of the Year. Sparks, 27, is in his second season in the Orioles organization.

Orioles minor league infield instructor Dave Anderson will manage the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League.

For the Orioles
Jonathan Villar 2B
Tim Beckham SS
Adam Jones CF
Mark Trumbo DH
Chris Davis 1B
Trey Mancini LF
Renato Núñez 3B
Jace Peterson RF
Caleb Joseph C

Alex Cobb RHP

For the Rays
Mallex Smith RF
Matt Duffy 3B
Jake Bauers 1B
C.J. Cron DH
Joey Wendle 2B
Kevin Kiermaier CF
Brandon Lowe LF
Michael Perez C
Willy Adames SS

Tyler Glasnow RHP

The only starter listed for the last two games of the series is Andrew Cashner on Wednesday. Otherwise, it’s TBD across the board.