Lots of little things to report this afternoon before manager Buck Showalter meets the media:
Infielder Ryan Flaherty is in Wednesday's starting lineup, batting eighth and playing second base. Flaherty, who says he feels no discomfort in his right groin while hitting or playing defense, was just activated from the disabled list.
The Orioles designated outfielder Alejandro De Aza for assignment to make room. The easy speculation was that Everth Cabrera would get designated for assignment, but the Orioles have a way of surprising.
De Aza, 31, batted .214/.277/.359 (22-for-103) with three home runs and seven RBIs in 30 games this season. He was making $5 million this year after losing in arbitration to the Orioles.
Some other things:
** Catcher Matt Wieters was in the clubhouse Wednesday after playing in Bowie on Tuesday. He said he felt great the day after playing his first affiliated game. As is the plan, he is resting his surgically repaired right elbow today and is not doing any defensive drills. He took batting practice and then will get treatment today at Camden Yards. He'll return to Bowie for games Thursday and Saturday. He is still eying a return to the Orioles by June 4, when he is eligible to come off the 60-day DL.
** Shortstop J.J. Hardy is starting for the second consecutive time since leaving Monday's game with back stiffness. He says he is fine.
** The lineups:
Astros: Springer 9, Altuve 4, Tucker 7, Gattis DH, Rasmus 8, Valbuena 5, Carter 3, Castro 2, Gonzalez 6. McHugh 1.
Orioles: Machado 5, Snider 7, Paredes DH, Jones 8, Davis 3, Pearce 9, Hardy 6, Flaherty 4, Joseph 2. Jimenez 1.