masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgChris Davis’ absence from the Orioles lineup last night didn’t seem to hurt as much considering his one hit in 16 career at-bats against Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie. Sure, it was a home run, but still …
The Royals are sending James Shields to the mound this afternoon in the series finale, and Davis is 4-for-12 with a double, two homers and six RBIs against him.
Ouch.
Davis will be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique. The corresponding roster move probably will…

Chris Davis’ absence from the Orioles lineup last night didn’t seem to hurt as much considering his one hit in 16 career at-bats against Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie. Sure, it was a home run, but still …

The Royals are sending James Shields to the mound this afternoon in the series finale, and Davis is 4-for-12 with a double, two homers and six RBIs against him.

Ouch.

Davis will be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique. The corresponding roster move probably will come on Tuesday.

Left-hander T.J. McFarland could be recalled. He wouldn’t need to stay in the minors for the minimum 10 days if he’s replacing an injured player. It’s just a question of whether the Orioles need an eighth reliever or a fourth bench player.

Shields has posted a 1.91 ERA in five starts this season, but he’s stuck with a 2-2 record. He’s 9-7 with a 3.55 ERA in 24 career starts against the Orioles, and 6-2 with a 3.92 ERA in 12 starts at Camden Yards.

Nick Markakis figures to start at first base again. He’s 20-for-66 (.303) with five doubles and two homers lifetime against Shields. He’s also one hit shy of 1,400 for his career.

Markakis is 9-for-26 during his six-game hitting streak

Could Jemile Weeks remain atop the order? He’s 3-for-7 (.429) versus Shields.

Bank on it.

Weeks had his first multi-hit game last night since Sept. 13, 2012.

Matt Wieters won’t be behind the plate. He’s doubled twice and homered twice against Shields, but he’s only 5-for-24 (.208). And Showalter already said that Steve Clevenger would catch.

Adam Jones is 13-for-39 (.333) with five doubles, a triple and a home run against Shields.

Miguel Gonzalez is 1-1 with a 4.97 ERA in two career starts against the Royals. Jarrod Dyson is 4-for-4 against him.

Down on the farm, third baseman Manny Machado is expected to start at third base again today and go nine innings at Single-A Frederick. The Orioles are eager to find out how he’s feeling after playing back-to-back games for the Keys.

Machado should be activated over the weekend at the latest. It’s not inconceivable that the Orioles put him on the 25-man roster for the Pirates series that begins Tuesday. Trust me, it’s been discussed and will be revisited after today’s game.