Adam Jones named Orioles' Heart and Hustle Award winner (and other notes)

NEW YORK - Center fielder Adam Jones has been named the Orioles' 2015 Heart and Hustle Award winner by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.

The award honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game. It's the only award voted on by former players.

Jones is a three-time recipient with the Orioles.

"We are proud to present Adam with the Heart and Hustle Award again this year," said MLBPAA chief executive officer Dan Foster. "His work both on and off the field is inspiring and embodies the spirit of this award."”

The MLBPAA formed 30 committees, comprised of alumni players with established relationships to each team. One player from each team is chosen by the committees based on their passion, desire and work ethic demonstrated both on and off the field. These players will be recognized prior to an upcoming home game.

As the season draws to a close, fans, all alumni and active players will vote to select the final winner from the 30 recipients. The previous overall winners are David Eckstein (2005), Craig Biggio (2006, 2007), Grady Sizemore (2008), Albert Pujols (2009), Roy Halladay (2010), Torii Hunter (2011), Mike Trout (2012), Dustin Pedroia (2013) and Josh Harrison (2014).

The final winner will be announced on Nov. 10 at the 16th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Jones is leading all major league hitters with a .481 average on Sundays (minimum 40 at-bats), going 26-for-54 with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 13 games.

Wei-Yin Chen, who turns 30 today, will pitch on his birthday for the first time in a major league game.

Chen is 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA in six road starts this season and has surrendered two runs or fewer in each of the last five games.

Chen averages 14.9 pitches per inning over 17 starts this season, the fewest among Orioles pitchers with at least five starts.

Since the 2014 All-Star break, Chen is 11-8 with a 2.77 ERA in 191 2/3 innings and has held opponents to a .236 average. His ERA ranks seventh among qualifying American League starters.

Fourteen of the 17 home runs allowed by Chen this season have been solo shots. Also, 14 have been hit by right-handed batters.

Twelve of the 17 home runs have come within the first three innings, the other five in the fourth.

Former Orioles shortstop and current MASN analyst Mike Bordick turns 50 today.