Machado's defense and today's game

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Orioles third baseman Manny Machado charged a slow bouncer last night from Tampa Bay's Steven Souza Jr. and fired across the diamond for the out, making the play appear routine. Soft hands, cannon arm. The usual tools that Machado brings on the field.

Souza Jr. tested Machado again in the third inning, laying down a two-out bunt with Kevin Kiermaier at third base. Again, Machado charged the ball and recorded the out with a laser to first baseman Chris Davis.

Machado seems to average at least one outstanding play a night, whether he's racing in, diving to his left or ranging into foul territory to make a backhanded stop and throw. But he also committed six errors in a span of nine games before keeping it clean last night.

"I think it's kind of good for both us and him," said manager Buck Showalter. "One, to remind ourselves just how good he is there, because it shocks you when he makes a miscue. And it's also kind of good for Manny to realize that it's a product of a lot of hard work and also getting set up properly and doing some things.

"I can tell how frustrated he is with it, because he starts swinging the bat a lot better and then all of a sudden he has a couple of miscues."

Machado was spared another one on Friday when a bouncer scooted under his glove and was scored a hit. Later in the inning, he airmailed a throw to first base for his sixth error.

"He probably should have had two errors (Friday) night," Showalter said. "That was scored poorly. But he'll learn from it. And I actually look on the positive side of it that's it's something that Manny, believe me, will pay attention to."

The Orioles wrap up their three-game home series today at Tropicana Field with left-hander Wei-Yin Chen making his second start of the season beneath the dome. He allowed three runs and four hits in 4 1/3 innings on April 7 and is 3-4 with a 3.42 ERA in 14 career starts against the Rays.

Chen is 1-2 with a 3.11 ERA in eight starts at Tropicana Field, but he's never pitched here while wearing the home whites.

Chen's last start came on April 25 against the Red Sox, when he allowed two runs in eight innings. He's 7-5 with a 3.26 ERA in 19 starts working on at least six days rest.

Evan Longoria is 8-for-25 (.320) with three doubles against Chen. Kiermaier is 3-for-7 (.429) with a triple and home run. Logan Forsythe is 4-for-14 (.286) with two home runs. James Loney is 4-for-13 (.308) with two doubles.

Rays starter Nathan Karns allowed six runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings in his April 7 start against the Orioles. He walked four, struck out four and hit a batter.

In two career starts against the Orioles, Karns has permitted nine runs and 10 hits for an 8.10 ERA in 10 innings.

Chris Davis and Steve Pearce each are 2-for-4 with a home run against Karns.