Tillman receiving cortisone injection (and other notes)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 15, 2017, 5:38am

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SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman will receive a cortisone injection in his right shoulder that shuts him down for two or three days.

Tillman may get the shot today while trying to rid his shoulder of the discomfort that aborted Sunday's bullpen session.

Between the injection and ridding his body of the antibiotic that caused joint discomfort, "we think we've increased our chances of getting him back on the hill," said manager Buck Showalter.

The Orioles let Tillman make the decision, which came after consulting with doctors and the athletic training staff.

Tillman still won't be ready for opening day.

Seth Smith's hamstring is healing slowly and he remains day-to-day. Showalter said again that it's not as bad as last year's soreness, but the club wants to be cautious with him. The Orioles don't want it to turn into a "nagging thing."

Vidal NuÃ±o is back in camp and will pitch Friday or Saturday. He made two appearances for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

Chris Davis told Showalter that he wanted to make today's trip to Bradenton, so he's starting at first base.