Despite being out of the starting lineup for four consecutive games with a left oblique injury, Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy is expected to play in the series opener against the Cleveland Indians on Friday night.
Feeling good after taking swings prior to Thursday afternoon’s game against Houston, Hardy deemed himself ready to play, but manager Buck Showalter elected to start him on the bench for one more game. The 32-year-old did enter in the ninth inning as a defensive replacement in the 3-2 win over the Astros to snap a five-game losing streak.
Showalter confirmed after the game that Hardy would be in Friday’s starting lineup. Of course, the Orioles will still proceed with caution in fear of the veteran infielder experiencing a setback.
Hardy will be joined in the lineup by veteran catcher Matt Wieters, who will be making his return to the Orioles after last playing in a major league game on May 10, 2014.
