Opening Night Lineup and some notes

Here is a look at tonight’s lineup for the Orioles and how each player has fared against Tampa Bay Rays starter James Shields:

Orioles

1. Brian Roberts 2B (.261, 2 RBIs in 46 At-bats)
2. Adam Jones CF (.400, 1 RBI in 15 At-bats)
3. Nick Markakis RF (.295, 1 HR, 3 RBIs in 44 At-bats)
4. Miguel Tejada 3B (.350, 2 RBIs in 20 At-bats)
5. Luke Scott DH (.273, 2 RBIs in 22 At-bats)
6. Matt Wieters C ( 0 for 3)
7. Felix Pie LF (1 for 5)
8. Garrett Atkins 1B (1 for 2 with a HR and 2 RBIs)
9. Cesar Izturis SS (0 for 3 with 1 RBI)

- Kevin Millwood will be the starting pitcher for the Orioles.

o He hasn’t faced the Rays hitters to many times over his career, as Jason Bartlett’s 15 at-bats off Millwood are tops on the team.

o Carlos Pena and Willy Aybar are the only Rays who have taken Millwood deep in their career.

o Millwood is 1-1 with a 6.63 ERA in his career at Tropicana Field

- The Rays beat the Orioles the last time the two teams squared off on Opening Day in 2008.

- In other news, 1B Michael Aubrey has cleared waivers and will be sent to AAA Norfolk to begin the season. He was designated for assignment last week to make room on the 40-man roster for Julio Lugo.

That’s all I have for now look for another post before the game if something comes up, but definitely after the game.

Randy Biggs

Baltimore Sports Blog