ST. PETERSBURG -- The Orioles are heading into this weekend's series against the Rays with two of their starters questionable. Saturday's projected starter, David Hess, was hit in the eye trying to catch a football pregame Friday afternoon, and Alex Cobb (blister) is also iffy for Sunday.
With expanded rosters, the Orioles will be able to cover if they need two new starters, with Josh Rogers penciled in Cobb's spot if needed. Who would potentially replace Hess has not yet been decided. The team is also off Monday, which should allow the pitching to reset.
Hess did see an ophthalmologist and was diagnosed with some inflammation, but no abrasion. He was given anti-inflammatory eye drops and should be OK.
Jones out of lineup
Adam Jones was out of Friday's starting lineup, marking the second time this week the outfielder has been on the bench. Manager Buck Showalter said the 33-year-old Jones feels as good as he's ever felt this late in the season and they want to keep it that way. But that's not the only reason as the team eyes the future with Jones set to become a free agent.

"We got some people we need to see play," Showalter said. "Cedric [Mullins] and [Joey] Rickard and [John] Andreoli, we want to see [Breyvic] Valera play shortstop.
"These looks are going away. I know Adam wants to play and so does Chris [Davis]. We will pick our spots."
Jones moved over from center field to right when Mullins came up last month and he invoked his 10-and-5 rights to block a trade to Philadelphia in July. The O's explored some August offers, including one from the Yankees before they got Andrew McCutchen, but Jones made it clear that he didn't want to leave Baltimore.
Worth noting
The Orioles added infielder Corban Joseph from Double-A Bowie as part of roster expansion Friday. He is the brother of current catcher Caleb. … Mark Trumbo underwent successful knee surgery Friday with an initial timetable of recovery at six months. … Steve Wilkerson (hamstring) is part of the expanded rosters and is hoping to play in a game in another week or two.