Orioles @ Rays lineups and pregame notes (upated)

Greetings from Tropicana Field, where the Orioles will take on the Rays for a three-game weekend series.

*Brian Roberts underwent hip surgery to repair a labral tear today, and manager Buck Showalter said the team’s athletic training staff is waiting to hear how exactly the procedure went.

*Jim Thome (herniated disk) received an epidural in California earlier today, and the hope is that can help calm things down and allow his body to heal.

*The Dodgers acquired Phillies veteran Joe  Blanton on a waiver claim this afternoon, with the two sides working out a trade that involves either a player to be named later or cash considerations.

*Nate McLouth is not in Triple-A Norfolk’s lineup again tonight and while there was some speculation he could join the team today against the Rays, I’m told there’s no pregame roster move in the works. It is possible they make a move after the game with an opt-out clause in McLouth’s contract kicking in at midnight tonight.

*In other Minors moves the A’s have acquired reliever Pat Neshek, who was with Triple-A Norfolk, and added him to their big league roster. Neshek was acquired for “future considerations”.

*Zach Britton is listed as the starter for Tuesday’s game in Seattle, so it looks as if he will get at least one more start to try to right things.

*Tsuyoshi Wada, out for the season with Tommy John surgery, has a locker set up here and he is expected to watch some of the game, Showalter said. Wada has been rehabbing at the team’s spring complex in nearby Sarasota, Fla and was hanging out with his teammates before the game.

ORIOLES LINEUP

Nick Markakis RF
J.J. Hardy SS
Adam Jones CF
Matt Wieters C
Chris Davis DH
Mark Reynolds 1B
Lew Ford LF
Omar Quintanilla 2B
Robert Andino 3B

Tommy Hunter RHP

RAYS LINEUP

Desmond Jennings LF
B.J. Upton CF
Matt Joyce RF
Ben Zobrist 2B
Carlos Pena 1B
Jeff Keppinger DH
Ryan Roberts 3B
Jose Lobaton C
Eliott Johnson SS

Matt Moore LHP