Orioles' Seth Smith: Back in action Friday

Smith (back) will return to the lineup Friday against the Cardinals, batting leadoff and playing right field.

A trip to the disabled list was thought to be in play if Smith wasn't able to play Friday, so it seems that the couple days off he received earlier in the week were enough to help him feel better. He'll resume his normal perch atop the Orioles' batting order and should continue to do so moving forward, barring any lingering back soreness.