Jones sits against Jays, snaps streak for games played

BALTIMORE -- Orioles center fielder Adam Jones was not in Wednesday's starting lineup and did not appear off the bench in a 9-5 win against the Blue Jays, snapping a stretch of 322 consecutive games played.

Jones, who has joked he's chasing the record of Cal Ripken, Jr., said he found out when he arrived at the ballpark and cautioned reporters that he'd still try to talk his way in. The Orioles, who were eliminated from postseason contention with Tuesday's loss, had a different-look lineup, including Steve Clevenger at catcher. Manager Buck Showalter said the move to give Jones a day was for both physical and emotional reasons.

"Nobody cares more, works more and is probably more heartbroken than a lot of guys, including me, [than Jones]," said Showalter, who played new addition Jason Pridie instead. "But it's got nothing to do with trying to stop something before it gets out of control or whatever. To take the beating that these guys take every day, especially him, for me, it's kind of a tough love. Nobody likes writing a lineup out without Adam Jones in it. It's one of those things you don't miss 'til it's gone."

Jones last missed a game on Sept. 25, 2011, and has made it no secret that one of his goals every year is to play all 162.

"Yeah, I want to play every day. That's why I signed up to play," he said. "I probably have been playing like I need a day off. The manager knows best. I never question what Showalter does."