Hardy leaves game with back tightness (O's win 4-3)

Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy left today's game after the seventh inning with back tightness, according to a team spokesman.

Hardy didn't play yesterday in the series finale against the Marlins in Miami. Manager Buck Showalter said he wanted to rest Hardy and keep him healthy, which included not using him as a pinch-hitter in the last two innings.

Hardy struck out, grounded out and singled today. He was batting .182 in 16 games since coming off the disabled list.

Hardy's single followed a two-run homer from Caleb Joseph that gave the Orioles a 4-3 lead in the seventh inning. He appeared to be in some pain and Showalter made a series of defensive switches, moving Everth Cabrera from second base to shortstop, Steve Pearce from first base to second and inserting Chris Davis at first.

Showalter also moved Alejandro De Aza to right field and inserted David Lough in left, but not because of Hardy's back tightness.

Hardy began the season on the disabled list with an injury to his left shoulder. He's dealt with back spasms in the past and performs exercises before games to stay loose.

Brad Brach retired all six batters he faced, striking out three, after replacing starter Wei-Yin Chen. Oliver Drake (Navy) made his second major league appearance and struck out two in the eighth while retiring all three batters.

Zach Britton is warming in the bullpen.

Update: Britton recorded his 11th save and the Orioles rallied past the Astros 4-3 before 28,909 at Camden Yards.

Brad Brach gets the win, as the Orioles improve to 20-22. Keuchel lost for the first time since August 2014.

The Orioles are 27-3 when Caleb Joseph has an RBI.

The Orioles didn't leave a runner on base today.