Baltimore's game against visiting Tampa Bay was rained out yesterday, the major league-leading sixth time in 51 games this season an Orioles game has been postponed because of inclement weather. No makeup date was announced.
The Orioles (24-27), who have lost four straight, will start right-hander Rodrigo Lopez (4-2, 2.76 ERA), Saturday's scheduled starter, for today's series finale at 1:35 p.m. at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Right-hander Rob Bell (1-2, 4.96 ERA) will start for the Devil Rays (21-32), who have won 11 of their past 15. Sidney Ponson (3-6, 6.48 ERA) will start Tuesday when the team begins a three-game series against visiting Arizona.
Yesterday's rainout also postponed the first career start in right field for Jerry Hairston, who went 2 for 3 Friday as the designated hitter to raise his batting average to .320.
"Certainly with the way [Jerry's] swinging [the bat] I have to keep him in the lineup every day," said Manager Lee Mazzilli, who had planned to give B.J. Surhoff a day off yesterday.
-- Jon Gallo
