Orioles and Royals lineups and update on Johan Santana

David Lough is getting another start in left field tonight and Ryan Flaherty is starting at second base, as the Orioles and Royals play the second game of a four-game series at Kauffman Stadium.

Nelson Cruz is serving as the designated hitter again after belting his team-leading 12th home run last night, a two-run shot that keyed the Orioles' 2-1 win.

For the Orioles
Nick Markakis RF
Manny Machado 3B
Adam Jones CF
Chris Davis 1B
Nelson Cruz DH
Steve Clevenger C
J.J. Hardy SS
Ryan Flaherty 2B
David Lough LF

Chris Tillman RHP

For the Royals
Nori Aoki RF
Eric Hosmer 1B
Salvador Perez C
Alex Gordon LF
Billy Butler DH
Johnny Giavotella 2B
Mike Moustakas 3B
Alcides Escobar SS
Jarrod Dyson C

RHP Jeremy Guthrie

Down in Sarasota, left-hander Johan Santana made his third start in an extended spring training game today and again threw 51 pitches without any problems.

Santana worked 2 2/3 innings, one-third more than his last outing on May 10. His fastball mostly sat at 85-86 mph, but it again topped out at 88 mph.

The Orioles remain pleased by the separation that Santana is getting between his fastball and mid-70s changeup.

Santana, 35, is nearing an assignment with one of the Orioles' minor league affiliates. His contract includes a May 30 opt-out clause if he isn't in the majors.

Santana hasn't pitched in the majors since 2012 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder. He previously missed the 2011 season while recovering from left shoulder surgery.

The Orioles signed the two-time Cy Young Award winner to a minor league contract on March 4. He's 139-78 with a 3.20 ERA in 360 major league games.

In 2012, Santana went 6-9 with a 4.85 ERA in 21 starts for the Mets and threw the first no-hitter in franchise history on June 1 against the Cardinals.