O's move up Tillman to start opener vs. Rays
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BALTIMORE -- The Orioles will send Opening Day starter Chris Tillman to the mound on three days' rest on Friday against the Rays. The move, which shifts Mike Wright to Saturday, isn't a big surprise, as Tillman pitched just two innings on Monday because of inclement weather.
The Rays are scheduled to start Chris Archer, Drew Smyly and Jake Odorizzi in the three-game weekend set.
Tillman, who struck five of the six batters he faced Monday, was fantastic in his short stint, and manager Buck Showalter said the switch enables Tillman to keep the ball in his hand without a long layoff.
Wright will be making his season debut on Saturday, while Showalter will hold off on announcing a fifth starter for Sunday. With rain in Thursday's forecast, he wants to be sure the O's get that game in before planning for Sunday.