The Baltimore Orioles are expecting pitcher Chris Tillman to make his spring training debut Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team also got some positive news on pitcher T.J. McFarland after X-rays revealed no serious damage to his elbow.
Tillman was scratched last week from an appearance in spring training after suffering from a hip injury. The pitcher was given a cortisone injection and has been making progress for the Orioles. He is now scheduled to get his first spring action Thursday in a B squad game against the Pirates.
Tillman felt tightness in his right hip before pitching in an intrasquad game, forcing the Orioles to sit him down for a week. He is expected to throw live batting practice to hitters leading into the Thursday start. The Baltimore Sun reports that Tillman is expected to throw "about two innings." He does not appear to be in any danger of missing the start of the season with the injury.
Tillman is a key part of the Orioles' rotation and losing him for any period of time would be hard to overcome. Last season, Tillman went 11-11 in 31 starts with a 4.99 ERA, striking out 120 batters in 173 innings. The Orioles likely will monitor his pitch count this spring to make sure he is healthy and ready to start the season.
The Orioles received some positive news on T.J. McFarland after the pitcher dealt with discomfort in his elbow. He had X-rays taken after pitching against the Boston Red Sox over the weekend and the tests revealed "no serious damage." The 26-year-old will not need an MRI, but the Orioles may keep him off the mound for a stretch of time to ensure the elbow stays healthy.
McFarland left the game against the Red Sox after just 1 1/3 innings after feeling the elbow discomfort. Manager Buck Showalter said that the team will evaluate McFarland and see how the elbow is feeling in a few days.
The Orioles will have Yovani Gallardo make his first start with the team Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Gallardo is expected to throw around 30-40 pitches.
"It's more on me finishing my pitches, fully extending my elbow," McFarland said. "It's not anything to do with the ligament."
