Davis out of lineup, Schoop on Player of Week honor (O's up 4-0)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Orioles first baseman Chris Davis is out of tonight's lineup due to an illness.

One of the Rays physicians is examining Davis, who could be available later tonight.

Left-hander Blake Snell's splits apparently don't factor into the decision to sit Davis, who was held out of batting practice today.

"Obviously, he's under the weather," said manager Buck Showalter. "Hopefully, he'll be OK by gametime."

Asked whether the illness is stomach-related, Showalter said, "Let's let the doctor figure it out."

Single-A Frederick third baseman Jomar Reyes, 20, is close to going out on an injury rehab assignment in the Gulf Coast League.

Reyes hasn't played since April 28. He broke the pinky finger on his right hand after punching a wall and underwent surgery to insert a pin.

"I think that's finally healed," Showalter said. "He'll play in the Gulf Coast League a couple games before going back to Frederick."

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop was named the American League's Player of the Week after posting a .433 average and .800 slugging percentage, with two doubles, three home runs, 16 RBIs and eight runs scored in seven games. He wasn't anticipating the honor. That would require shifting his focus.

"To be honest, I didn't pay too much attention," he said. "I knew I was doing good and like I say, come here to the ballpark and work every day and try to contribute to the team and try to win. And the results are going to be there if you work hard."

Schoop has watched his teammates win awards, but he never envied them or imagined what it would be like to swap places.

"I never think like that," he said. "Every time you win an award for yourself, it's a goal for you, it's something you set and it's fun, but it's more fun when you're winning. It's more fun. Everybody's happy."

Schoop kept deflecting credit to other players, especially while considering how he amassed 16 of his team-leading 70 RBIs.

"That's why you've got to give credit to your teammates," he said. "The teammates get on base and get in scoring position and give me a chance to drive them in. Without them, I'd be by myself out there. So I've got to thank them for getting on base for me to drive them in."

It wasn't until earlier today that Schoop finally scanned his weekly numbers. He harkens back to shortstop J.J. Hardy's advice to him.

"Since J.J. taught me the thing that he told me about, that's all I want to do," he said. "Of course, sometimes you worry because you're not doing good, but like J.J. said, if you play the whole season healthy, your numbers are going to be there."

Tonight marks Schoop's 27th start while batting third. He's made 26 starts in the sixth slot in the order.

Schoop is hitting .333/.368/.571 with four doubles, seven home runs and 25 RBIs while batting third. His movement was part of a lineup shuffle that eventually put Adam Jones in the leadoff spot and Manny Machado second.

"Many times, John (Russell) and I and Scott (Coolbaugh) have thought about moving him up," Showalter said. "It seemed like every time we did, you could see a little bit different approach. But we've found out this year that he's been able to handle a lot more, not getting outside of himself.

"A lot of times when guys go to the All-Star Game, you worry. I've had a lot of experience of guys going back from the All-Star Game and going through a little period when they get back here. But Jon seems to be relishing the new expectations. He's as humble as the day you signed him. He's so approachable about things and he doesn't take himself too seriously. Got a lot of respect for how quickly things can turn. A lot of people take any new-found assets, whether it's a car or clothes or jewelry or whatever, (but) Jon spends it on his family. His extended family. He'd be the first to tell you that everything he does is about that.

"It's been real satisfying for us who have known him for a long time to watch him kind of get ahead a little bit."

Schoop's maturity certainly is evident at the plate, which has allowed him to thrive as the No. 3 hitter.

"You watch him quit on a lot of balls," Showalter said. "His 'no' button has gotten a lot better. Believe me, when you're driving in 70 runs and are third in the American League, you're not sneaking up on anybody. They're throwing the kitchen sink at you.

"I remember talking to Jon about picking up those baby RBIs with a man on third and one out and the infield back. He's gotten so much better at that, where he shortens up and sticks his nose out there and gets those guys in. Those are the RBIs that you just can't pass on. The really good RBI guys just don't miss those RBIs."

Schoop is in select RBI company, trailing only Nelson Cruz (75) and Aaron Judge (73) in the American League.

"I think that would catch most people in baseball by surprise except us," Showalter said. "That, 'Gosh, he's up there with those guys and a really good week and he's ahead of them?' I think they picked the right guy."

Update: Jones hit a solo home run off Blake Snell in the third inning to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead.

Jones has four home runs in his last six games and 19 on the season.

Update II: Machado delivered two runs with a bases-loaded single off Sergio Romo in the eighth and Schoop followed with a sacrifice fly for his 71st RBI, giving the Orioles a 4-0 lead.

Kevin Gausman shut out the Rays on five hits over six innings, with three walks and eight strikeouts.