Bundy still a consideration for rotation (O's win 1-0)

Orioles right-hander Dylan Bundy continues to present himself as an option in the rotation next season, according to manager Buck Showalter.

Bundy could receive a start in the second half this year, but Showalter said it probably would come with a three-inning cutoff. The primary interest is building up his innings this summer to make him a legitimate candidate in 2017.

"I'd like to in a perfect world," Showalter said. "I know where I want to get him to with his innings. I was talking to Richie (Bancells) about it on the bench last night, about if we pitched him X amount of innings, would (Bancells) be comfortable with him throwing X number of innings next year.

"He might be in the bullpen next year. We do know he's out of options, but you don't mind as much if they're being effective like Dylan has been. It's been a good experience for him."

In nine relief appearances, Bundy has accumulated 12 innings while posting a 2.25 ERA. He's allowed three earned runs (four total) and 15 hits, with six walks and five strikeouts.

Showalter lumps together Bundy and Vance Worley while classifying which relievers are long men in T.J. McFarland's absence. Worley is able to provide more length because he's also made two starts for the Orioles. Bundy hasn't worked more than 2 1/3 innings in any outing this season.

"I'd really like to get him to three at some point," Showalter said. "I know where we want to end up with him inning-wise to kind of set us up for next season. But Dylan's in that mode, too.

"In the American League, if you pitch more than one inning, you're a long reliever."

What qualities make up the ideal long man beyond stamina?

"They have to have the ability to get left- and right-handed hitters out," Showalter said. "For me, throw strikes and work quickly. Change the tempo and just the karma of the game.

"Sometimes, Mac would come in and not necessarily shut them out, but the tempo of the game ... just change the merry-go-round a little bit.

"That's an ability that good long relievers have. They come in and attack the strike zone. Some of the things the guy before them wasn't doing. And hold runners, field your position. You look for certain things from guys there. You don't see a lot of lethargic, slow-working, deep-count long relievers. There are certain things they need to be able to change about the game other than the score when they come in."

Bundy remains sound physically. No issues with his right arm. It's not a topic of conversation any longer.

"So far so good," Showalter said. "I would have signed up for this in the offseason, knock on wood. I know he's not thinking about it anymore. I love the way the changeup has come. It gives him something to left-handed hitters, and now he's throwing it some to right-handers."

Nothing has changed regarding Yovani Gallardo. He remains scheduled to pick up a ball for the first time Saturday and make 25 throws from 60 feet in the outfield.

"It's not so much how he feels tomorrow while he's doing it, it's how does he feel the next day?" Showalter said. "I don't know how sore you're going to get from just playing catch.

"I know he's kind of excited about getting out there. He's been, I'm not saying killing himself, but he's really been getting after it down there. Every day I walk by there, he's basically living in there. And I'm not talking about the training room, either. The weight room, too."

Showalter noted how a flat mound, like the one at the Ed Smith Stadium complex, would come in handy at Camden Yards.

Showalter said he may get a couple players in Saturday night's lineup who have been sitting, which would seem to include outfielder Hyun Soo Kim. It also could include infielder Paul Janish.

For the Tigers
Ian Kinsler 2B
J.D. Martinez RF
Miguel Cabrera 1B
Victor Martinez DH
Nick Castellanos 3B
Justin Upton CF
Steven Moya LF
James McCann C
Jose Iglesias SS

Justin Verlander RHP

Update: We're not scoreless anymore.

Adam Jones homered into the Orioles' bullpen with one out in the sixth, the 200th home run of his career. Orioles 1, Tigers 0.

Jones has hit three home runs in the last four games. This is his first home run at Camden Yards this season.

Chris Tillman has shut out the Tigers on four hits over six innings, with two walks and five strikeouts.

Update II: Tillman tossed seven scoreless innings in a 1-0 victory.

Tillman has five consecutive quality starts and has lowered his ERA to 2.58.

Zach Britton recorded his 10th save and the Orioles won their sixth game in a row to move 10 above .500.

This is their second 1-0 win of the season. They beat the Yankees by the same score in 10 innings at Camden Yards.

Justin Verlander suffered his first loss at Camden Yards in eight decisions.