A little information on 2015 schedule and tonight's pitching matchup

The Orioles will release their 2015 schedule later this month. That's the way it usually happens.

I wrote a few days ago that there will be a week-long series in New York, with games against the Yankees and Mets divided by an off-day. Just like Chicago last month, but the train runs underground.

I'm destined to get confused, with my incredibly poor sense of direction. But it's been years since I rode the roller coaster at Coney Island, so ...

I've unearthed a few more scheduling nuggets that may assist in your summer plans, though I'm mostly lacking dates. I suppose you'll need those at some point. The wait shouldn't be much longer.

The Orioles open on the road. I don't have the location confirmed, but my fingers are crossed that it's Tropicana Field (I've heard rumblings), which is a convenient drive from Sarasota.

Either that, or I'll be so eager to leave Florida after those seven weeks of spring training that any other state will seem preferable.

There's no pleasing me.

The Orioles' first home game is Friday, April 10 against the Blue Jays. Two anthems for the price of one, eh?

As for the interleague schedule, the Orioles will be going head-to-head with the National League East. The Phillies, Mets and Braves visit Camden Yards, and there will be the usual home-and-home series with the Nationals.

It really does feel more like a rivalry now. I'm finally on board.

The Orioles will travel to Miami to play the Marlins. That's pretty close to Fort Lauderdale. Not sure it's a good idea to let me roam around the old stomping grounds.

Showalter has mentioned how one of the Orioles' visits to a National League park will take place later in September. He's not thrilled with losing his designated hitter and adjusting the rules at that point in the season.

As for tonight's game, Chris Tillman is making his 30th start of the season and his 16th at home, where he's 4-5 with a 2.50 ERA in 93 2/3 innings. It's the lowest single-season ERA by an Orioles pitcher in Camden Yard history (minimum 15 starts).

Tillman has never faced the Reds. He's 1-1 with a 5.93 ERA in 11 career interleague starts.

Tillman has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 16 consecutive starts, tied for the fifth-longest streak in club history.

Mike Leake is making his first career start against the Orioles. He's 4-5 with a 3.10 ERA in 16 career interleague starts.

Kelly Johnson is 4-for-11 (.364) with a home run against Leake.

Right-handers are hitting .231 against Leake, but lefties are batting .292.

Steve Pearce may be cleared to swing a bat Thursday. He's still aiming for a return to the lineup this weekend in St. Petersburg.