21 Nick Markakis, RF

Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis doubled among two hits as the designated hitter Friday in Minnesota. Markakis' single to left-center field in the seventh inning helped trim a six-run deficit to 6-5. Baltimore won 9-6 in extra innings. 

Markakis, who added a sacrifice fly RBI to make it 8-6 in the 10th, went 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs to go with two RBI. He's batting .279. 

After a slow April, Markakis' bat is warming in May. He's gone 10 for 35 (.286) to this point with four doubles and four RBI over nine games. 

Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis will not be allowed to use a special bat to honor his mother -- a breast cancer survivor -- on Mother's Day, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Markakis had a black bat with a pink “label” circle made by MaxBat Inc. from Minnesota. Instead, MLB players will be allowed to use pink bats from Louisville Slugger, which holds the exclusive rights to pink bats for Major League Baseball.

"If I said something (to MLB) would it really make a difference? No, I doubt it," Markakis said. "It is what it is. You've got to abide by the rules."

Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis got a start as the designated hitter Wednesday against the Royals for the third time this season and second time in his last eight games, MASNSports.com reports. Markakis said the role is a different mindset. 

"It's different," Markakis said. "You just have to stay loose, stay stretched and wait for your turn to hit. Haven't done it much, but it's good. It gives me a chance to get my feet back under me. It's a different mindset. It's good every once in a while."

Markakis, who went 1 for 8 with no RBI and two walks in his first two starts as the DH this season, is batting .270 overall with three homers and 15 RBI. He's 6 for 25 (.240) in May, however, and would like to get his bat started once again.