Nick Markakis talks about batting as the DH

For the third time this season and the second time in the last eight games, Nick Markakis will serve as the Orioles' designated hitter tonight. "It's different," Markakis said about being the DH. "You just have to stay loose, stay stretched and wait for your turn to hit. Haven't done it much, but it's good. It gives me a chance to get my feet back under me. It's a different mindset. It's good every once in a while. "I had talked to Buck (Showalter) earlier in the year and he said he would start giving me some DH days to get my feet under me, as well as some other guys, rotating that DH spot. "It's tough to play every day, especially for a long time over years. This is good every once in a while. We just came off a 20-day stretch with no off days and a West Coast trip, so it's good to get a day here and there." Markakis went 1-for-8 with no homers or RBIs and two walks in his first two starts this season as the DH. He said it can have some benefits for an everyday player. "Yeah, there is a lot of running in the outfield. To not have to worry about defense and just offense, it gives you mentally a break as well as physically," he said. "You know, DH is a tough position. You tip your hat to guys that do it every day with success." In his O's career, Markakis is 4-for-23 (.174) when serving as DH with no homers and one RBI. The Orioles' offense continues to rank third in the AL in runs scored at 163 behind only Oakland (174) and Boston (164), and Markakis likes what he sees from the bats so far. "We're good. Top to bottom, we are good and anyone can hurt you in the lineup at any time. It's a tough lineup one through nine and fun to be a part of," he said.