Giavotella designated for assignment, Beckham in lineup

The Orioles have designated second baseman Johnny Giavotella for assignment this afternoon to create a roster spot for infielder Tim Beckham. They will continue to go with a 13-man pitching staff.

Giavotella is 1-for-10 in seven games. He's started twice, most recently on July 16 against the Cubs.

Beckham, who's wearing No. 1, is playing shortstop tonight and batting sixth.

Seth Smith is the designated hitter while Joey Rickard plays right field.

In his last 10 games, Manny Machado has gone 13-for-40 (.325) with five doubles. He has six hits in his last 12 at-bats, including four doubles.

Dylan Bundy is making his third career appearance and second start against the Royals. He allowed two runs and four hits over six innings, with one walk and eight strikeouts, in a 3-2 loss on May 12.

Lorenzo Cain and Mike Moustakas are 2-for-4 with a double.

Ian Kennedy has allowed three earned runs or fewer in seven of his last eight starts and hasn't lost since June 5. Right-handers are hitting .201 against him and left-handers are hitting .223.

Kennedy has a 6.17 ERA in three career starts against the Orioles, allowing eight earned runs and nine total in 11 2/3 innings. He's walked nine batters. Kennedy has lasted only 5 2/3 innings in two starts at Camden Yards.

Smith is 9-for-27 (.333) with four doubles and a home run against Kennedy. Welington Castillo is 1-for-11, the only hit a double.

The Orioles are 4 ½ games back for the second wild card and 6 ½ behind the first-place Yankees. They're two behind the third-place Rays.

Adam Jones is celebrating his 32nd birthday.

For the Orioles
Adam Jones CF
Manny Machado 3B
Jonathan Schoop 2B
Chris Davis 1B
Trey Mancini LF
Tim Beckham SS
Seth Smith DH
Welington Castillo C
Joey Rickard RF

Dylan Bundy RHP

Former Baltimore Sun columnist John Eisenberg has a new book out titled "The Streak." You can probably figure out the subject. It's a superb read and I highly recommend it.

Eisenberg is having a book signing Saturday from 3-5:30 p.m. at Bromo-Seltzer Arts Tower on S. Eutaw St.