Mora, Hernandez return to Orioles

5/16/2008 6:18 PM

BALTIMORE (AP) -Melvin Mora's sore right shoulder responded well enough to throwing drills, putting the third baseman back in the Baltimore Orioles' lineup for Friday's opener of a three-game series against the Washington Nationals.

Catcher Ramon Hernandez was also back in the lineup after he experienced no pain in his tender left wrist while swinging during batting practice.

Mora, who had missed two games after taking a grounder off his shoulder during infield practice Tuesday, wanted to test the joint during infield practice before pronouncing himself fit enough to play - even though manager Dave Trembley had already penciled him into the lineup.

``I don't know,'' said Mora, an ice pack still taped to his shoulder before pregame drills. ``We'll see when I throw.''

Trembley cautioned reporters to have erasers ready in case a late lineup switch was necessary, but said he thought Mora was fully recovered.

``He's basically had four days off, so hopefully he's ready to go,'' Trembley said.

Hernandez, who has experienced left wrist soreness, last played a week ago. He still had the wrist taped but felt no discomfort during batting practice.