Markakis Plays With Arm Pain

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 13 -- Nick Markakis emerged from the trainer's room on Sunday with his banged-up left wrist covered by a large ice pack, making the end of his arm look like the covered end of a driver.

Yet, despite how bad the injury appeared, Markakis showed few ill effects against the Tampa Bay Rays, hitting a solo home run in the Orioles' 6-2 loss.

"It was bothering me a little bit," said Markakis, who finished with a pair of RBI. "It definitely wasn't comfortable. I just tried to change my grip on the bat a little bit to try to make it as comfortable as possible."

Markakis remained in the game Saturday night after he was hit by a pitch, causing his forearm to temporarily go numb. He also jammed his thumb sliding into a base.

"It should be fine in the next couple of days," he said. "I'll just take care of it and hopefully it heals."

Albers Amped for Start

Right-hander Matt Albers, who has been used primarily as a long reliever, said he is excited about making his first start of the season on Monday against Toronto. After a doubleheader Thursday at Texas, the Orioles needed a spot starter.

"Obviously, I want to come in and have the same success I have been, throwing strikes and trying to get ground balls, more so as a starter than a reliever," said Albers, who has allowed no runs on three hits in three relief appearances.

Albers went 3-11 with a 5.71 ERA in 18 starts for Houston last season. He has impressed Manager Dave Trembley by throwing a curveball he didn't show often in spring training, when he focused on his fastball. "It feels good now and it feels like everything is working for me," Albers said.

UP NEXT Today vs. Blue Jays7:05p.m. Albers (1-0) vs. McGowan (0-0) MASN Tomorrow vs. Blue Jays7:05 p.m. Trachsel (1-1) vs. Marcum (1-0) MASN2 UP NEXT Today vs. Blue Jays7:05p.m. Albers (1-0) vs. McGowan (0-0) MASN Tomorrow vs. Blue Jays7:05 p.m. Trachsel (1-1) vs. Marcum (1-0) MASN2