Lower back spasms keep Hardy on the bench

BALTIMORE -- J.J. Hardy was not in the Orioles' starting lineup on Tuesday after exiting Monday's game with lower back spasms, though the shortstop is expected to start on Wednesday.

"I would put it this way: J.J. is an option for us if there's a need he can physically serve," manager Buck Showalter said of Hardy's availability Tuesday. "I expect J.J. to start tomorrow.

Hardy, who missed six games in April with lower back spasms, said he was feeling pretty normal Tuesday afternoon.

"Obviously I want to play, but I think it's probably the smart thing to do," said Hardy. "I felt pretty good the day that I hurt myself in April in Detroit, so just to be safe, take one more day and go from there."

Hardy batted in the top of the seventh Monday, but he did not return for the eighth inning, with Ryan Flaherty taking over at shortstop. Afterward, Hardy said the humidity could have played a factor, telling reporters he can lose up to eight pounds on a hot day, and he smiled Tuesday when asked if he had been hydrating a lot.

"I'm probably about six pounds overweight right now from all the stuff I've been drinking," Hardy said.

The O's, who have lost Matt Wieters and Manny Machado to season-ending surgery, are also currently playing without infielder Steve Pearce.