Chris

Tillman

Tillman is coming off shoulder surgery from a few years ago and hasn’t pitched in the majors since making seven starts for the Orioles back in 2018. The 34-year-old is reportedly attempting a comeback, and could wind up drawing some interest from teams this offseason, although he’ll most likely be forced to settle for a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Tillman had labrum surgery on his right shoulder last June and didn’t pitch at all this past season, but he’ll attempt to show he’s healthy during spring training. The 31-year-old will be on the lookout for a minor league contract.

Tillman registered a disappointing 5.52 ERA in 13 starts with the Orioles this season and a 5.19 ERA in 15 starts at Triple-A Norfolk. “Let him rest from the season and hopefully (he’ll) be ready to come in and compete next year for a spot,” O’s manager Buck Showalter said. “Overall, thinking about all the factors, it was in his best interest to be done with the season.”

In other words, any speculation over injury was unfounded. Tillman had a strong spring training, but he owns a 5.30 ERA over his first four starts at the Triple-A level this season.

There doesn’t appear to be much alarm, but the Orioles will have him throw a two-inning simulated game instead. Chris Tillman will make the start in his place Tuesday.

Tillman’s stuff isn’t what it was when he was a top prospect, and he’s threatening to fall completely out of Baltimore’s plans. He really needs to show the brass something this spring.

Judging by the fact that he pitched just an inning, Tillman is out of the mix for a spot in Baltimore’s rotation. The team could consider keeping him as a reliever, though, and he’d be quite a sleeper in that role. His velocity is up anyway this spring and it could increase further if he can air it out for an inning at a time.

It’s a move that might be inevitable, though, as Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com intimates. Tillman’s velocity has been up this spring, and he was able to air it out even more over a one-inning relief appearance Thursday when he struck out the side.

Tillman struck out eight and walked two on the evening. He also got eight ground ball outs, allowing only one fly ball in the game. He’s someone to keep a serious eye on if Brian Matusz continues to struggle in the Orioles’ rotation.

“I’ve really been impressed with his stuff,’' Showalter said. ''Tilly’s a guy with a big upside. I feel good about where he is. His arm is a lot further along than it was last year at this time.” Tillman, 23, has allowed just three runs in 8 1/3 innings in three spring games.