Pregame notes and Astros lineup

HOUSTON - Orioles center fielder Adam Jones is playing in his 1,000th career game today. He's appeared in 926 with the Orioles and 73 with the Mariners.

Jones' 926 games are good for 19th on the club's all-time list. Cal Ripken Jr. is first with 3,001.

Caleb Joseph's two-out walk in the eighth inning last night was the first for the Orioles since they drew three straight in the fourth inning Wednesday night against the Brewers' Yovani Gallardo. The Orioles went 21 innings and 83 plate appearances between free passes.

Nelson Cruz has hit safely in 11 straight games since May 20, batting .472 (18-for-40) with five doubles, seven homers, 12 RBIs and 13 runs scored. His streak is the third-longest active in the majors behind Michael Brantley (15) and Matt Carpenter (12).

Cruz is 4-for-9 with a home run lifetime against Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel, who enters today's game 6-2 with a 2.55 ERA. Keuchel has won his last four starts while allowing only four earned runs in 34 1/3 innings.

As expected, reliever Luis Ayala is opting out of his contract with the Orioles. They knew it yesterday, but had to wait until today for official word. He allowed three runs and 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings at Double-A Bowie, and posted a 2.44 WHIP.

The Orioles are 7-12 in day games this season and 5-7 versus left-handed starters. They're 18-8 (.692) when scoring four runs or more and 8-19 (.296) when scoring three runs or fewer.

Chris Tillman has allowed 12 runs in the first inning and 10 in the second this season. He's permitted 14 runs in his last two starts covering 6 2/3 innings.

The Orioles are attempting to avoid a season-high five game losing streak and get back to .500.

For the Astros
Jose Altuve 2B
George Springer RF
Dexter Fowler CF
Jason Castro C
Matt Dominguez 3B
Marc Krauss 1B
Alex Presley DH
Robbie Grossman LF
Marwin Gonzalez SS

Dallas Keuchel LHP