Orioles/Nats game 1 lineups and tidbits

By now you know, the Garrett Atkins Era is still in full swing in Baltimore. Although, he told me a change would be a “welcome opportunity.” I saw Atkins talking to Pat Burrell when the team was in San Francisco, and he admitted that being released isn’t always a bad thing. Pat the Bat has found his stroke away from the AL East. What cruel irony that would be for Orioles fans if Atkins were to hit elsewhere.

Instead of Atkins, Lou Montanez will hit the DL, in a move expected to come down postgame.

*As was reported earlier in the week, Michael Gonzalez will go on a rehab assignment this upcoming week. He came through from today’s game with no reported problems and is on track to possibly join the team on July 2′s roadtrip.

*Felix Pie should be on that trip as well, if there are no setbacks. He played in Frederick yesterday and went 2-for-5 and is expected to get some more time tonight.

*Koji Uehara is coming back, either Sunday or Tuesday.

ORIOLES LINEUP
Corey Patterson LF
Miguel Tejada 3B
Nick Markakis RF
Luke Scott DH
Adam Jones CF
Matt Wieters C
Garrett Atkins 1B
Julio Lugo 2B
Cesar Izturis SS
Jake Arrieta RHP

NATIONALS LINEUP:
Nyjer Morgan CF
Cristian Guzman 2B
Ryan Zimmerman 3B
Adam Dunn 1B
Josh Willingham DH
Ivan Rodriguez C
Mike Morse RF
Brendan Harris LF
Ian Desmond SS
J.D. Martin RHP