Yankees/Os lineups and pregame tidbits

Greetings from Camden Yards, where Jeremy Guthrie will try to give the Orioles their first series win of the year and extend on their two-game win streak. He will be opposed by CC Sabathia in what promises to be an exciting game. Below, some tidbits….

*As expected, Garrett Atkins is starting over rookie Rhyne Hughes. Given that Hughes is a left-handed hitter this makes sense and it in no way means the team is getting away from playing Hughes, who has been red-hot since Saturday’s call up. I talked to Rhyne about whether there’s any animosity between him and Atkins (given that he’s taking away his playing time and started in his place the prior three games) and he said that’s not the case. Atkins has been talking to Hughes every chance he gets and has encouraged him to keep it up. Always good to hear.
 
*Brian Roberts continues to be plagued by medical issues. He was dealing with a flu-like illness and some gastrological issues so he’s getting an endoscopy Thursday.  He is still not doing any baseball-related activities and has been sidelined since leaving April 9′s home opener.

*Alfredo Simon said he can pitch tonight if needed. Trembley said the team would prefer to be cautious given that Simon just switched to the bullpen barely two weeks ago. We’ll see what happens.

*Adam Jones will continue to be in the lineup despite his struggles. Trembley said there’s no replacing Jones and he’s confident the centerfield will come through his offensive slump. At times, Jones looks great, but Tuesday he struggled again, going 1-for-5 and slamming down his helmet after a sixth-inning strikeout. The Orioles lineup desperately needs him to get back and to get consistent.

ORIOLES LINEUP
Adam Jones CF
Nick Markakis RF
Ty Wigginton 2B
Miguel Tejada 3B
Matt Wieters C
Garrett Atkins 1B
Nolan Reimold DH
Lou Montanez LF
Cesar Izturis SS
Jeremy Guthrie RHP

YANKEES LINEUP
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Johnson DH
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada C
Curtis Granderson CF
Nick Swisher RF
Brett Gardner LF
CC Sabathia LHP