Hot-hitting Jones remains at designated hitter

BALTIMORE -- For the second straight day -- and in the midst of his hottest stretch of the season -- Adam Jones served as the designated hitter and batted third for the Orioles on Tuesday against the Red Sox.

Jones went 3-for-4 with a home run during the O's 4-0 win over the Red Sox on Monday as the DH, which is where he'll remain as he continues to battle a heel injury.

"Just let my legs heal and get some rest," Jones said. "I think Nick Markakis and I are going to be able to DH a little bit more this year. Let our legs heal and be ready for that September [push]."

Monday was just the second time this season that Jones had served as the DH. As of now, there isn't a plan in place for him to have any X-rays, but if the "general soreness" hasn't significantly improved by the end of this homestead, manager Buck Showalter said that would be the next step for Jones.

"I knew when he didn't completely fight me yesterday, it was bothering him," Showalter said. "It's just when he [decelerates] -- anybody who has done a lot of running, which I haven't, knows what I'm talking about."

Jones' three-hit effort on Monday brought his bating average for the season up to .305, and his slash line for June to .455/.457/.848. The home run was his fourth in seven days.

Showalter expects Jones to return to center field on Wednesday.

"He didn't do a very good job of staying off of it, because he got on base so much last night," Showalter said.