Cintrón Starts at Shortstop

BALTIMORE, May 17 -- Infielder Alex Cintrón made his first start at shortstop this season on Saturday against the Washington Nationals, though Baltimore Orioles Manager Dave Trembley said Freddie Bynum will remain the regular starter.

"I told Bynum it was his job until he lost it," Trembley said. "And at this point in time, I don't think he's done anything to lose it."

Bynum came off the disabled list May 8 and immediately supplanted Luis Hernández, who won the job out of spring training. In seven games since, Bynum has hit .280 without an error.

But Cintrón took advantage of his chance, tying a career high with four hits in Baltimore's 6-5 victory over the Washington Nationals.

"I'm happy to be here and for the chance to win ballgames," said Cintrón, the fifth player to start at shortstop for the Orioles this season.

Cintrón, who hit .288 with Class AAA Norfolk to earn his call-up May 11, started his first major league game since Sept. 19. His four hits were his most since June 2006.

Cintrón, who spent the past two seasons as a reserve for the Chicago White Sox, signed a minor league contract with the Orioles on March 31 after being released by the Chicago Cubs during spring training.

Millar Bats Cleanup

With left-hander Odalis Pérez pitching for the Nationals, Trembley returned right-handed hitter Kevin Millar to the cleanup spot to break up a lineup of left-handed hitters. It was the first time Millar batted fourth since May 1.

"With Millar, he's used the whole field a lot better," Trembley said. "He's hit the ball the other way a lot better. He's drawn more walks, so he's seeing more pitches, he's shown more patience and I think good old-fashioned work."

UP NEXT Today vs. Nationals1:35 p.m. Guthrie (2-3) vs. Lannan (3-4) MASN Tuesday at Yankees7:05 p.m. Cabrera (4-1) vs. Mussina (6-3) MASN UP NEXT Today vs. Nationals1:35 p.m. Guthrie (2-3) vs. Lannan (3-4) MASN Tuesday at Yankees7:05 p.m. Cabrera (4-1) vs. Mussina (6-3) MASN