Pregame notes on Hammel, Jones, Flaherty and more

Jason Hammel said his knee felt good after throwing off the front slope of the mound yesterday. He has a bullpen session scheduled for Monday morning. Hammel doesn't know how many pitches he'll throw or what he'll do after Monday. It's one step at a time. Hammel told Orioles manager Buck Showalter that he got out of bed and didn't give the knee a thought, which is a positive sign. Adam Jones is making his first career start as a designated hitter. He was used as a pinch runner five times in that slot in the lineup. Ryan Flaherty said he expects to play for Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday. Showalter doesn't necessarily care which positions are designated for Flaherty while he's on the rehab assignment, though center field and catcher are probably out. Showalter wants Tides manager Ron Johnson to use Flaherty however it will help his team win. Showalter said he'd expect Flaherty to hit first, second or third in the lineup to get extra at-bats. Infielder Steve Tolleson remains on the seven-day minor league disabled list with a broken right index finger. Jason Berken no longer is listed among Norfolk's upcoming starters. The Orioles want to control his innings total so he can be useful to them as a late-season call-up. Norfolk's rotation includes Jake Arrieta today, Zach Britton on Monday, Steve Johnson on Tuesday, Zach Clark on Wednesday and Brian Matusz on Thursday. Dana Eveland started last night. For the Royals: Alex Gordon LF Alcides Escobar SS Mike Moustakas 3B Billy Butler DH Lorenzo Cain CF Jeff Francoeur RF Eric Hosmer 1B Brayan Pena C Chris Getz 2B Bruce Chen LHP