Orioles outfielder Adam Jones sat in all three games of this past weekend’s series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, marking the first time Jones didn’t have a choice whether he’d play since he put on an Orioles uniform.
The Orioles’ company line is that Jones is being benched because the team needs to get a look at other outfielders to assess where they might fit for next year. It’s an opportunity to give important innings to players who could be part of the team’s rebuild. Take that for what it’s worth, but regardless of the reason, it sets the stage for an awkward remaining three weeks of the season between the team in its longest-tenured player.