Showalter on extra days' rest for pitchers and more

DETROIT - Right-hander Chris Tillman re-enters the Orioles rotation today, but manager Buck Showalter is not ready to say he is working with a six-man pitching rotation or even say he has six starting pitchers for five spots.

For now, he wants to see how Tillman gets through this start and he is looking at how to best use and match up his staters given that game's opponent. Some pitchers are now working on extra rest. For instance, Wade Miley will pitch at Boston tomorrow night on seven days' rest and Yovani Gallardo on Thursday on eight days.

Does pitching on extra rest provide challenges for Showalter's starting staff?

"Not as much this time of year," Showalter said. "It if was a month into the season, you'd be concerned more about it. Guys, they don't get out of sync as much this time of year. They're in such routine mode, they don't get out of sync much. I think the benefits of the rest offset the inactivity somewhat."

Showalter spent part of his pregame session today talking about various pitchers he has worked with over the years and how many innings they pitched. That led the conversation to Dylan Bundy and the innings load he is working with right now.

"I talk to Dylan every day," Showalter said. "He's smart and is not going to tell us something to be a tough guy. I think he knows that we have his best interest, which is our best interest as a team and organization, at heart.

"We wanted to make it up on the front end (pitch fewer innings earlier in the year). There is nothing worse than walking in a clubhouse and going, 'Hey guys, we're going to shut this guy down.' "

Showalter was asked about the Orioles facing Justin Verlander this afternoon, a pitcher that has changed over the years from one that could blow away just about any hitter to one that now throws his fastball often in the 93 mph range.

"At different times of the season, like right now, he's carrying a lot more fastball," Showalter said. "As guys' maybe pure stuff maybe goes down a bit, their knowledge of pitching keeps that curve (of their talent) the same."

Showalter reflected on Sept. 11, 2001 earlier. All teams around baseball today are wearing special hats to honor the 9/11 victims, and both the Orioles and Tigers players will be on the field before first pitch with first responders from this area.

"I think everybody knew at the time how it was going to change everybody's life," Showalter said. "We have a chance today to honor a lot of those people. We're going to come out on the field with them. It kind of makes you realize, what we do and what we're allowed to do, to never take it for granted. I know we have our faults in this country, but comparitvely speaking, this is a special place to live."