masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWASHINGTON – Back at Nationals Park for the makeup of a July 8 rainout, the Orioles will be without a designated hitter again as they take on the National League East frontrunners.

Nelson Cruz is in left field and batting cleanup, Chris Davis is at first and Ryan Flaherty is at second against the Nationals.

The Orioles will pit right-hander Kevin Gausman against Nats righty Tanner Roark. Gausman has allowed four runs in 13 2/3 innings for a 2.63 ERA over his last two starts. Roark is 4-0…WASHINGTON – Back at Nationals Park for the makeup of a July 8 rainout, the Orioles will be without a designated hitter again as they take on the National League East frontrunners.

Nelson Cruz is in left field and batting cleanup, Chris Davis is at first and Ryan Flaherty is at second against the Nationals.

The Orioles will pit right-hander Kevin Gausman against Nats righty Tanner Roark. Gausman has allowed four runs in 13 2/3 innings for a 2.63 ERA over his last two starts. Roark is 4-0 with a 1.29 ERA over his last four starts.

For the Orioles
Nick Markakis RF
Manny Machado 3B
Adam Jones CF
Nelson Cruz LF
Chris Davis 1B
J.J. Hardy SS
Ryan Flaherty 2B
Caleb Joseph C
Kevin Gausman RHP

For the Nationals
Denard Span CF
Anthony Rendon 3B
Jayson Werth RF
Adam LaRoche 1B
Ian Desmond SS
Bryce Harper LF
Asdrubal Cabrera 2B
Wilson Ramos C
Tanner Roark RHP

Here’s a little more on Jim Johnson’s bullpen session today. He threw all of his pitches and showed flashes of the reliever who saved 50 or more games in two straight seasons. He also missed with a few as he continues to work on his mechanics and regaining his confidence.

As I said earlier, the Orioles are still interested in signing him to a minor league deal.

Double-A Bowie right-hander Zach Davies has been named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the week ending Sunday, Aug. 3. He’s has received the honor twice this season.

Davies went 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA and 13 strikeouts over 13 2/3 innings in his two starts. He’s 7-2 with a 1.88 ERA in his last nine starts dating back to June 16.

Overall, Davies is 8-6 with a 3.30 ERA and 82 strikeouts over 84 2/3 innings.