Hardy returns to lineup

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

August 15, 2014, 11:44am

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J.J. Hardy, who hasn't played since being scratched from Sunday's lineup with a sprained left thumb, is batting sixth tonight as the Orioles shortstop for the series opener in Cleveland. Ryan Flaherty is starting at third base. Chris Davis continues to bat second. hardy flaherty highfive sidebar.jpg

The Orioles are a season-high 19 games above .500, their highest margin since ending the 2012 season with a 93-69 record. The Orioles lead the American League East by 7 1/2 games, their largest margin since Sept. 13, 1997. Miguel Gonzalez has been transferred from Triple-A Norfolk to Double-A Bowie. He's not expected to pitch for the Baysox. It's a paper move. Gonzalez may throw a bullpen session before accompanying the Orioles to Chicago and starting Tuesday night against the White Sox. Bowie placed left-hander Jake Pettit on the seven-day disabled list. For the Orioles Nick Markakis RF Chris Davis 1B Adam Jones CF Nelson Cruz LF Delmon Young DH J.J. Hardy SS Ryan Flaherty 3B Caleb Joseph C Jonathan Schoop 2B Wei-Yin Chen LHP For the Indians Jason Kipnis 2B Mike Aviles 3B Michael Brantley CF Carlos Santana 1B Yan Gomes C Ryan Raburn RF Zach Walters DH Tyler Holt LF Jose Ramirez SS Corey Kluber RHP