masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – I have a batch of quotes to pass along in my next blog entry, but let’s first catch up on today’s news.

J.J. Hardy is out of the Orioles lineup. Manager Buck Showalter said the club is trying to “stay ahead” of the shortstop’s back issue.

Showalter suggested that Hardy is available today and will return to the lineup on Sunday. He didn’t like how Hardy felt after last night’s game and decided to be cautious.

Hardy has been bothered by a spasm in his lower…ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – I have a batch of quotes to pass along in my next blog entry, but let’s first catch up on today’s news.

J.J. Hardy is out of the Orioles lineup. Manager Buck Showalter said the club is trying to “stay ahead” of the shortstop’s back issue.

hardy swing back grey sidebar.jpgShowalter suggested that Hardy is available today and will return to the lineup on Sunday. He didn’t like how Hardy felt after last night’s game and decided to be cautious.

Hardy has been bothered by a spasm in his lower back.

Reliever Darren O’Day threw a bullpen session and performed drills on the field. He’s available today.

O’Day hasn’t pitched since Tuesday, when he surrendered a grand slam, due to soreness in his upper left hamstring. O’Day theorized that it could be scar tissue from a 2007 injury.

So that’s why he didn’t pitch last night despite being rested. In case anyone was still venting about it.

Chris Davis wasn’t in the original lineup, but he appeared in it after stopping by Showalter’s office. Davis replaced Jimmy Paredes at third base.

Showalter was going to rest Davis against left-hander Drew Smyly, but Davis wanted to play. He’s only 1-for-8 with five strikeouts against Smyly, but he homered off the Rays southpaw in their last meeting.

“Chris has that cachet,” Showalter said. “I like that.”