Tejada trying to extend hot streak into tonight's game (O's win 10-2)

With Johnny Giavotella on the roster strictly as a second baseman, Rubén Tejada has settled into a role as the everyday shortstop for the Orioles.

Paul Janish was designated for assignment and again outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. The only alternative in J.J. Hardy's absence seems to be moving second baseman Jonathan Schoop to the left side of the infield, which has happened only twice in the starting lineup.

Manager Buck Showalter has kept Manny Machado at third base. Machado apparently hasn't been campaigning to play short.

Tejada may not be the long-term answer with Hardy likely to hit the free-agent market over the winter, but he's determined to make a good impression and stay in the running.

He just can't divert his attention to 2018 with more than two months remaining in the regular season.

While conceding that he feels like he's auditioning for next season, Tejada added, "But I have to stay focused and do my job."

"Anything can happen next year if I do my job here this year," he said. "So, every day I come here to work hard and concentrate on helping the team win. That's why I'm here."

Another three-hit night raised Tejada's average to .260 heading into tonight's game against the Rangers at Camden Yards. He's 8-for-17 in his last five starts, including a 3-for-3 day in Minnesota to close the first half.

"I think it's swinging at better pitches and trying to stay in the middle of the field," he said. "And good things can happen, like right now, like last night. So, I have to keep doing the same and stay focused on my plan."

Regular at-bats have allowed him to heat up.

"Yeah, because it's not like go to the bench, play one day and not two days, or something like that," he said. "It's different. So, I have to keep doing the same with this opportunity."

The Orioles need to be able to trust Tejada defensively - it's a rule here - and his play has been uneven. He's made some good plays and failed in other instances. Hardy has spoiled the club over the years, even with diminished range.

"That's where I've played the most in my career, short, so I have a lot more experience there," Tejada said. "I have to make routine plays and stay focused."

Update: Adam Jones hit the Orioles' seventh leadoff home run of the season to give them a 1-0 lead.

Update II: Schoop's 26th double of the season delivered two more runs in the third inning and increased the lead to 3-0.

Jones singled with two outs and Machado walked.

Update III: Joey Gallo homered off Kevin Gausman in the fifth inning to reduce the lead to 3-1.

Update IV: The Orioles broke open the game with a seven-run seventh inning, highlighted by Trey Mancini's bases-loaded triple. The first seven batters reached base. Jones, Machado and Schoop had RBI singles.