Santander and Flaherty to begin rehab assignments July 27

The Orioles are skipping batting practice today due to the heat index. They're taking their hitting act indoors.

"It didn't make a whole lot of sense," said manager Buck Showalter. "Hoping it clears."

The offense already is hot with 25 runs scored in the first three games of the series.

The Orioles hit 2,490 home runs at Memorial Stadium from 1954-1991. They've hit 2,490 at Camden Yards since it opened in 1992.

Rule 5 pick Anthony Santander, who's been rehabbing his right forearm down in Sarasota, finally will begin an injury rehab assignment on July 27.

Santander has been cleared to play the outfield. He's expected to end up at Double-A Bowie, which already has Cedric Mullins, DJ Stewart, Austin Hays and Mike Yastrzemski in the outfield.

"That's really good news," Showalter said. "It's been a long haul for him."

Infielder Ryan Flaherty also is expected to begin an injury rehab assignment on July 27.

Shortstop J.J. Hardy, on the disabled list with a fractured right wrist, will accompany the team to Tampa following the weekend series against the Astros.

"He's right on schedule as far as how long that would take to heal," Showalter said.

Mike Wright will pitch two innings Saturday in the Gulf Coast League.

Hunter Harvey will pitch once a week, with a bullpen session and some light throwing in between. He tossed a scoreless first inning yesterday in the Gulf Coast League.

The Orioles will honor three of the four Pearl Harbor survivors prior to tonight's game: 96-year-old Fire Controlman Third Class Lauren Bruner, 95-year-old Seaman First Class Donald Stratton and 96-year-old Coxswain Howard Kenton "Ken" Potts.

For the Rangers
Delino DeShields LF
Shin-Soo Choo RF
Elvis Andrus SS
Adrian Beltre 3B
Mike Napoli 1B
Rougned Odor 2B
Jonathan Lucroy C
Carlos Gomez CF
Robinson Chirinos C

Cole Hamels LHP