Showalter on Tillman, Wilson, Davis and 6-3 loss

Orioles manager Buck Showalter confirmed tonight that Ubaldo Jimenez will start Thursday night's game in Minnesota.

Tyler Wilson worked four perfect innings in relief of Chris Tillman in the Orioles' 6-3 loss to the Rockies before 23,677 at Camden Yards. He won't be available for at least a few days after throwing 40 pitches.

Showalter had been leaning toward Jimenez as Thursday's starter and made it official tonight. Jimenez is 5-3 with a 2.55 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts) versus the Twins and 4-1 with a 1.82 ERA in six starts at Target Field. He held them to one earned run (two total) over seven innings in his first start on April 7, walking none and striking out nine.

Tillman had allowed four runs over his last four starts covering 28 innings. He gave up four tonight in the third inning and six over five innings.

All five hits off Tillman in the third inning came with two strikes. He was 1-2 to four batters who singled.

Usually a slow starter, Tillman retired the side in order in the first inning on 11 pitches and stranded a runner in the second. He threw 36 pitches in the third and the Orioles (58-41) never led, their winning streak ending at five games.

"First inning it looked like he was going to pick up where he left off, but just a reminder how hard it is to do what he's been doing," Showalter said. "It's kind of like when you're facing teams, a lot of hitters you're not familiar with. A lot like their pitcher (Chad Bettis) tonight. He was really effective and there are some adjustments you have to make with interleague play. You don't really know. There's a comfort zone you get out of sometimes.

"Chris, the pitches he elevated, they didn't miss. Very close to a better outing, he got through five. We just didn't do much offensively."

Wilson was magnificent in his first appearance since being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk. Twelve up, 12 down on 40 pitches.

"That's why we took an extra pitcher instead of (Julio) Borbon right now. We're going through a stretch where we're going to need some coverage in our bullpen so we can get to that off-day," Showalter said.

"We said all along that was something he was going to be able to, which he's done already this year for us even if it wasn't a consistent every fifth day. He brings a lot of energy to the game when he comes out of the bullpen. He's a strike-thrower, he works fast, he brings some tempo back to the game that sometimes a starter who's struggling doesn't have.

"It's important, especially this time of year with the heat and the games piling up, to have somebody that can get you on and off the field. Just bringing some energy back to the game."

Wilson has allowed one earned run in 12 relief innings this season and has registered a 5.67 ERA in 13 starts over 73 innings.

The Orioles shut down Wilson after optioning him on July 3 and they shortened his two starts at Triple-A Norfolk while easing him back into competition.

"Some arm fatigue going on there, just from the stress of major league innings," Showalter said. "He came into spring training, wanted to be operating on all cylinders, which he was. Talking with Wally (Dave Wallace) and Dom (Chiti) and Richie (Bancells), felt like we could freshen his arm up and his whole body.

"He's got a great frame on him. I just think it will benefit him. Hopefully, tonight is a sign."

Chris Davis went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts and is hitless in his last 24 at-bats.

"He's going through a period where he's not, stating the obvious, doing what he's capable of," Showalter said. "You've got to stick with him and trust the track record. He's frustrated with it, believe me. He's here early. Sometimes you can try too hard. I know how bad he wants to be the contributor he's capable of being."

Showalter moved a slumping Adam Jones atop the order, but he won't do the same with Davis.

"You see the walks that Chris is still drawing," Showalter said. "There's still a whole lot of respect for the contact to damage ratio. He'll get it going. It's just been a period of time where he's not able to contribute the way he's capable of."

Hyun Soo Kim singled and walked in his first game after coming off the disabled list. He's hit safely in 12 of his last 14 games.