ST. PETERSBURG -- The Orioles were encouraged by Chris Tillman and Darren O'Day's side sessions prior to Wednesday's game at Tropicana Field, with Tillman (right shoulder bursitis) slated to return to the rotation on Sunday.
The pair of rehabbing pitchers will both throw again on Friday. O'Day, who will also have a sim game next week, could return as early as mid-week, according to Orioles manager Buck Showalter.
O'Day (right rotator cuff strain) said he was encouraged with how he felt on Wednesday, saying there was no pain. He also said that it's the best his arm has felt since hitting the disabled list.
Tillman's rotation return does not bump anyone from the O's rotation, at least not yet. Showalter said Ubaldo Jiménez, who took Tillman's spot, will pitch on Saturday in Detroit. Wade Miley will start Monday's game in Boston.