I caught a little of manager Dave Trembley's dugout session with the media earlier today while I waited for O's Xtra to start on MASN2, and he indicated that Adam Jones could bat lower in the lineup.
Julio Lugo is hitting first in Game 1, with Jones moving down to second.
Trembley noted how Jones continues to struggle at the plate and is chasing bad pitches. It doesn't sound like the leadoff experiment will continue, though finding a replacement has proven difficult.
It's not like Lugo will be in the lineup every night.
Maybe he (Jones) will get some better pitches to hit with [Nick] Markakis hitting behind him. Maybe he will just show a little more patience," Trembley said.
Cesar Izturis and Nolan Reimold are two possibilities to take over the leadoff duties. Trembley has considered using Markakis atop the order, but he'd rather have Markakis bat in a run-producing spot.
Meanwhile, the Orioles placed Double-A reliever Wilfrido Perez on the disabled list and transferred outfielder Jonathan Tucker from Triple-A Norfolk to Bowie.
Update: Justin Morneau just homered to give the Twins a 2-0 lead in the first inning.
I also want to wish my father a Happy Birthday. I know these last few days have been extremely difficult. Hang in there. Love you.
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