Orioles say Adam Jones out of lineup with soreness in "rib area"

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones is out of tonight's lineup for the series finale against the Twins due to soreness in his rib area, according to manager Buck Showalter. Jones wasn't at his locker while the media was allowed inside the clubhouse.

Showalter said Jones insists that he's fine and wants to play, but the Orioles aren't taking any chances in the first week of the season. And Showalter isn't using the word "oblique."

"He's probably not real happy with the old manager," Showalter said.

Jones told Showalter that he first experienced the discomfort during his final at-bat last night in the eighth inning. He didn't mention it surfacing on opening day.

No tests are scheduled for Jones and Showalter is hopeful that the center fielder will return to the lineup on Friday against the Rays at Camden Yards. He's counting on it being a "one day thing."

Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard is leading off tonight because the lineup is being altered without Jones in it. Otherwise, he would have continued to bat ninth.

Showalter almost gave Ryan Flaherty is first start tonight. He plans on using Flaherty and outfielder Hyun Soo Kim this weekend.

The fifth starter for Sunday "still could be (Vance) Worley," Showalter said. He can't commit to anyone without knowing whether rain will bring a postponement in the next few days.

The tarp is back on the field, but Showalter said he still expects to play at least nine innings tonight "at some point."

Brian Matusz will work one inning in relief tonight at Double-A Bowie. The Orioles are checking the radar before deciding which inning, wanting to make sure rain doesn't prevent him from pitching.

Kevin Gausman will start Saturday at Bowie and accompany the Orioles to Boston, where he'll have his bullpen session before making a start at Single-A Frederick.