It's still going to be several weeks until J.J. Hardy returns as the Orioles' starting shortstop, but Ruben Tejada has done a creditable job playing much of the time in Hardy's place.
Tejada, who was purchased from the New York Yankees June 4, filled in for Manny Machado at third base for four games when Machado was hurt, and since Hardy broke his right wrist, Tejada has usually started at shortstop.
He had a slow start at the plate after Hardy was injured June 18, going 2-for-22 to end the month, but he's heated up in July, recording three, three-hit games: July 9, 18 and 20.
