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Orioles starter Chris Tillman will miss Opening Day

By Joshua Sadlock

Sep 22, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman (30) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman (30) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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After starting three straight Opening Days for the Baltimore Orioles, Chris Tillman is in danger of starting the season on the DL.

According to the Baltimore Orioles, starting pitcher Chris Tillman will not be ready to start on Opening Day. Tillman, who battled shoulder issues in the second half of last year, apparently felt discomfort while participating in the team’s winter throwing program, and got a platelet-rich plasma injection in December. This news comes as a bit of a surprise, as Tillman was on record saying that he felt the issues were behind him in early February.

"“We worked hard this offseason to make sure it’s behind me. A lot more shoulder stuff (exercises) than I’m used to, but we worked hard and I’m pretty confident it’s behind me,” he said."

The Orioles are being fairly tight-lipped for now when it comes to Tillman’s status. Judging by their willingness to open extension talks with the pitcher earlier this winter, the shoulder issue may not be perceived to be serious. According to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports, Tillman could resume participation in fielding practice as early as March 3, before pitching in his first exhibition game two weeks later. This is all best-case scenario for now. There is still a chance Tillman could start the season on the DL if the shoulder does not improve.

This could be a major blow to the Orioles’ hopes to return to the postseason in 2017, or it could be nothing at all. Tillman has served as the de facto ace for the Orioles in his eight years in the big leagues, and led the staff with 16 wins last year. He is 72-48 with a 4.13 ERA in 1025.1 career innings, and has consistently defied the bearish statistical models for his performance.

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With Tillman out of the mix for Opening Day, the Orioles will likely turn to Kevin Gausman to take the ball against the Toronto Blue Jays. Gausman made big strides in the second half of last season, finally looking like the ace the Orioles projected him to be when taking him with the fourth overall pick in the 2012 draft. If Tillman is forced onto the disabled list and misses any significant time, the Orioles could be in major trouble. They traded Yovani Gallardo for outfielder Seth Smith, and are currently slated to start the year with inconsistent hurlers Ubaldo Jimenez and Wade Miley in the rotation.

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