Notes on Tillman and Norris

Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman is expected to start Thursday afternoon's game against the Mariners at Camden Yards after being pushed back in the rotation due to lower back spasms.

Tillman's condition has improved to the point where he's not a candidate for the disabled list. Barring a setback, he would start the series finale and follow Miguel Gonzalez and Wei-Yin Chen in the rotation.

Gonzalez opposes Taijuan Walker on Tuesday and Chen opposes Roenis Elias on Wednesday.

Tillman's back flared up during a bullpen session on Friday and he no longer was a candidate yesterday to replace Bud Norris. Mike Wright made his major league debut and shut out the Angels over 7 1/3 innings in a 3-0 victory at Camden Yards.

The Orioles are discussing whether to place Norris on the disabled list. He's been diagnosed with bronchitis and hasn't pitched since May 10 in New York.

A temporary move to the bullpen isn't likely because the club couldn't depend on him to be available while he's sick. Norris became ill in New York, appeared to be getting better and had a relapse. He's lost weight and needs to build up his strength and endurance.

If Norris goes on the disabled list, the Orioles would recall Tyler Wilson and most likely place him in the bullpen while keeping Wright in the rotation. Wilson is on the taxi squad and the Orioles have until 8 p.m. to add him to the 25-man roster or send him back to Triple-A Norfolk.

Norris could make a start or two on a rehab assignment and return to the Orioles before the May 28 doubleheader against the White Sox.

Keeping Norris on the active roster would leave the Orioles with the choice of optioning Wright or Wilson. Wright isn't available before Friday after throwing 90 pitches yesterday.