Struggling Orioles reliever Berken says shoulder feels great

Righty, who tore labrum last season, has allowed runs in five of past seven outings

A day after staying home while battling the flu, right fielder Nick Markakis returned to the lineup. Reynolds also was back at third base after getting Wednesday off in the midst of an 0-for-14 slump. … Robert Andino, typically an infielder, started in left field with left-hander Jason Vargas on the mound for Seattle. It was Andino's second start in left field this season and the third of his career. … Roberts, who entered Thursday hitless in his past 26 at-bats, had extra pre-game work with hitting coach Jim Presley. … Reliever Josh Rupe, who was designated for assignment Tuesday when Hardy was activated from the disabled list, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. … Pitching coach Mark Connor was to be away from the team for Thursday's and Friday's games to attend his son's graduation from the University of Tennessee's law school. Bullpen coach Rick Adair will serve as pitching coach while minor league pitching coordinator Alan Dunn will handle bullpen coach duties. Dunn was former manager Dave Trembley's bullpen coach. … The Orioles are scheduled to face right-handed starters in all five games on the coming road trip, leading Showalter to say he'll try to work outfielder Felix Pie into the lineup more.

[e-mail]

twitter.com/jeffzrebiecsun

• Text BASEBALL to 70701 to get Baltimore Sun Orioles text alerts