BALTIMORE -- Should everything stay on schedule, Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman could pitch on Sept. 11.
Tillman, who is on the disabled list with right shoulder bursitis, threw three times this week off flat ground and is expected to throw off the mound soon. He has been on the DL since Aug. 24, retroactive to Aug. 21.
The O's also got good news on outfielder Joey Rickard (right thumb ligament injury), who was cleared to start baseball activities Friday. Rickard is currently on the 60-day disabled list and can't return until later this month, but the Orioles are hopeful he will be able to join the team at some point.
O's setup man Darren O'Day is slated to throw off a half-mound on Sunday. He has been sidelined since mid-August with a right shoulder rotator cuff strain.