BRADENTON, FLA. — BRADENTON, Fla. – Outfielder David Lough was scratched from the starting lineup of the Orioles' Grapefruit League game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday with back spasms, manager Buck Showalter said.
Lough, who is competing for a roster spot, was held out with a sore left hamstring last week, but has played two games since, including going 1-for-3 in Sunday's home game against the Cardinals.
"Basically, he was hitting off a tee, reached over to pick up a ball and his back spasmed up," said Showalter, who said Lough is considered day-to-day.
Lough has never missed time with any back issues in his career.
After getting a hit in his first spring training at bat in the Orioles' Grapefruit League opener on March 3, Lough had just one hit over his next 16 at bats. Since then, he's had hits in three of his last four outings.
This spring, Lough is attempting to force the Orioles to carry six outfielders on Opening Day. In his first season with the Orioles last year, he struggled at the plate early in the season, but hit .337 after May 31.
"He's fighting for a spot," Showalter said. "He's done that. He came in here competing, not only for more playing time, but for a (roster) spot in general."
With Lough out of the game, Everth Cabrera will move to center field and bat seventh. Ryan Flaherty will now play second base and hit eighth.
Here's the new Orioles starting lineup:
Alejandro De Aza LF
Steve Pearce RF
Jimmy Paredes 3B
Delmon Young DH
Chris Davis 1B
Ryan Lavarnway C
Everth Cabrera CF
Ryan Flaherty 2B
Paul Janish SS
Ubaldo Jimenez RHP