--LHP Brian Burres didn't pitch badly for six innings, but he walked one batter and gave up a hit to another to start the seventh. The four runs were the first he allowed after 13 shutout innings. And after not walking a batter in his eight-inning stint last time out, he walked the second batter of the game.
--RF Nick Markakis was back in the lineup after getting his first off day of the season Wednesday. Markakis played in every game but the season finale in 2007. His average had fallen from .345 on April 19 to .287. --LF Luke Scott was given the day off after going 0-for-7 in the first two games of the brief homestand and 3-for-31 in his last 10 games. His average has tumbled from .386 to .284.
--SS Luis Hernandez, who injured his right ankle sliding into third Wednesday but remained in the game until the end, sat out Thursday though trainer Richie Bancells said Hernandez could play if needed.
--3B Melvin Mora, who is hitting far better with runners in scoring position than his overall average, is also hitting far better on the road than at home. After going 0-for-4 on Thursday and 1-for-11 on the three-game homestand, his home average was .200, while his away average stands at .271.
--RHP Greg Aquino, who had been designated for assignment Tuesday, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AAA Norfolk.
BY THE NUMBERS: 30 -- RHP Daniel Cabrera didn't walk a batter in his April 23 start at Seattle. It was the first time in 30 starts that the still developing right-hander did not issue a base on balls.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Obviously, you'd have to use some common sense. I have to look down the road. I understand there is an interest from fans and everybody wants to know, but I can't give answers to things that I don't have answers for and I don't like to speculate because I get myself in trouble when I change my mind. So I'd rather not change anything." -- Manager Dave Trembley, about what he'll do with adjust his starting rotation.
