masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgShortstop J.J. Hardy was scratched from the lineup because of tightness in his lower ribcage area.

Hardy felt it while taking batting practice, and again while trying to hit in the indoor cage. Manager Buck Showalter found out at 6:50 p.m. and inserted Cesar Izturis into the lineup.

“I didn’t feel like it was worth the risk,” Showalter said, adding that Hardy could have played later if needed.

Showalter’s initial concern was that Hardy injured his intercostal or oblique.

Also, the…Shortstop J.J. Hardy was scratched from the lineup because of tightness in his lower ribcage area.

Hardy felt it while taking batting practice, and again while trying to hit in the indoor cage. Manager Buck Showalter found out at 6:50 p.m. and inserted Cesar Izturis into the lineup.

“I didn’t feel like it was worth the risk,” Showalter said, adding that Hardy could have played later if needed.

Showalter’s initial concern was that Hardy injured his intercostal or oblique.

Also, the Orioles might need to call up a pitcher tomorrow to help their bullpen. Josh Rupe and Jeremy Accardo will be unavailable – assuming we don’t have a postponement.

And finally, Showalter said Jake Fox and Robert Andino will play this weekend.

Quotes to come.