The Orioles were supposed to face four right-handers in their series against the Indians at Camden Yards, but the Indians had to alter their rotation Wednesday after using Josh Tomlin in relief for three innings.
Justin Masterson moved up to take Tomlin's spot last night, working on three days rest, and left-hander T.J. House will make his first major league start tonight.
The Indians have won back-to-back 13-inning games. Yeah, happens all the time.
House, 25, was 1-2 with a 2.40 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A Columbus. He's made one major league appearance, tossing a perfect inning in relief for the Indians on May 17.
Once the Indians recalled House yesterday, Orioles manager Buck Showalter figured the southpaw would start if not needed in relief last night.
The Orioles are 4-6 against left-handers, but that includes Wandy Rodriguez, who was released by the Pirates after getting lit up Wednesday. They have a tendency to struggle against unheralded, unknown pitchers.
Will tonight be an exception?
They've scored 30 runs over their last four games. The bats are alive. Too bad they're 1-3 in those games.
Manny Machado exited last night's game with tightness in his right groin and his status will be determined later today. Ryan Flaherty could play third base despite the Indians starting a lefty, with Jonathan Schoop remaining at second.
Showalter, celebrating his 58th birthday today, can decide between Steve Pearce and Delmon Young as his designated hitter, with Nelson Cruz in left field.
Bud Norris is 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA In three home starts this season. In his only career start against the Indians on Sept. 2, 2013, he allowed one run and four hits over seven innings, with one walk and eight strikeouts.
The only run scored on Jason Kipnis' leadoff homer in the seventh.
Norris has gone 7 2/3 and 7 1/3 innings in his last two starts. He's permitted two runs or fewer in three of his last four.
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