J.J. Hardy on last night's home run and his decline in power

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - J.J. Hardy walked to his locker today at Tropicana Field, noticed a small group of reporters following him and joked that collecting one hit last night wasn't worth an interview.

Well, it was a home run, his first since July 29, and it accounted for three runs. And it's a slow news day, so ...

Hardy, who remains in the lineup tonight against the Rays, was batting .192/.224/.269 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 43 games since the All-Star break before connecting off left-hander Drew Smyly. He was 4-for-35 this month with no home runs or RBIs in nine games.

"It's been a while that I've actually squared up a ball, so any time you hit a ball good it feels good," said Hardy, who's batting .212/.244/.309 with 12 doubles, eight home runs and 35 RBIs in 103 games.

Hardy's power has declined - he hit nine home runs in 529 at-bats last season - but he's been dealing with an assortment of injuries. He began this season on the disabled list with a left shoulder strain after diving for a ball in spring training.

"I don't like answering the question because it sounds like I'm making excuses," said Hardy, who hit 25 home runs in 2013 and a career-high 30 in 2011. "My shoulder from spring training, it really hasn't gotten where I want it to be, but working out in the weight room basically ever since I got put on the DL, I'm starting to feel stronger and a lot more stable."

An offseason of rest and workouts could get Hardy back on the power track.

"No doubt," Hardy said. "For sure."

Hardy said he won't need to undergo a surgical procedure on his shoulder, as he did in 2004 in the minors.

"Do I have to? No, I'm not going to," he said. "I had surgery on this shoulder, and this was the worst six, seven months of my life. They're basically saying that's not an option, so try and get it as good as possible.

"I think it should be good. I'm optimistic there'll be no problem."

There's been no problem with his defense. Hardy remains at an elite level. Orioles manager Buck Showalter will point out plays almost on a nightly basis.

"You've got to, you've got to," Hardy said. "If you're not contributing offensively, you've got to do something."