Orioles' Markakis to bat leadoff vs. Red Sox

Though neck soreness nearly sidelined Nick Markakis for Baltimore's Opening Day clash with the Red Sox, the 30-year-old outfielder will actually occupy the top spot in the lineup on Monday, according to MASN's Roch Kubatko.

Markakis, an eight-year veteran, has started just 88 games in the leadoff spot throughout his career, but owns a .329/.375/.441 line over 405 plate appearances from the top slot in the lineup.