Tillman shoulder improving, Flaherty shut down (and more notes)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said pitcher Chris Tillman has reported improvement in his right shoulder for the past two days, leading to cautious optimism within the organization.

The club is expected to meet again on Wednesday to discuss the next course of action, including whether Tillman is close to getting back on a mound.

Showalter repeated that he expects Tillman to pitch at some point in the 2017 season.

Infielder Ryan Flaherty received a cortisone injection in his right shoulder yesterday and is shut down for the next two or three days. Flaherty had the same soreness earlier in camp.

Outfielder Chris Dickerson is available today after being hit on his right elbow on Sunday, and outfielder Seth Smith is close to returning from a sore hamstring.

Catcher Caleb Joseph is available after being hit yesterday on the left elbow.

Showalter said he considered starting Hyun Soo Kim against Rays left-hander Blake Snell, but he wanted to take another look at Joey Rickard, Craig Gentry and Trey Mancini in the outfield. He said Kim leads the club in plate appearances and has faced left-handers on the back fields.

Showalter also wanted to give Kim a day off.

Zach Britton is making his spring debut today. Other relievers listed behind starter Wade Miley include Darren O'Day, Tyler Wilson and Richard Bleier.

The Orioles are giving Gabriel Ynoa his first start Friday against the Pirates in Bradenton. Drew Hutchison is starting for Pittsburgh.

Ubaldo Jiménez starts on Wednesday against the Pirates' Jameson Taillon in Bradenton. No starters are listed for Thursday night's game against the Phillies in Sarasota.

For the Rays
Daniel Robertson SS
Nick Franklin 2B
Corey Dickerson LF
Steven Souza Jr. RF
Casey Gillaspie 1B
Curt Casali C
Shane Peterson DH
Patrick Leonard 3B
Braxton Lee CF

Blake Snell LHP