Chris Lee goes three scoreless tonight

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette indicated again tonight that the Orioles will stay with their camp candidates while searching for Chris Tillman's replacement in the rotation

Duquette, interviewed on the "Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan, said the Orioles probably will stay in-house to "fill that job." He wants to take a longer look at Mike Wright, Tyler Wilson, Gabriel Ynoa, Jayson Aquino and Chris Lee, tonight's starter against the Phillies.

The remaining pitchers on the market don't seem to bring much appeal or are seeking more than the Orioles want to offer.

Logan Verrett is considered more useful as a long reliever and doesn't appear to be a consideration to start.

Tillman remains shut down after receiving a cortisone injection in his right shoulder. Duquette said from what he's been told, he expects Tillman to pitch this season and to pitch effectively. However, Tillman won't be ready on opening day and seems unlikely to be available on April 15 when the club needs a fifth starter.

The Orioles will re-evaluate Tillman in the next few days.

Lee was removed tonight after three scoreless innings. He allowed two hits, walked two, struck out one and threw a wild pitch. He finished at 66 pitches, 34 for strikes.

Lee needed 26 pitches to get through the first inning, only 12 going for strikes. But the Phillies didn't score. They just worked him.

Cesar Hernandez led off with a single and Roman Quinn reached on shortstop J.J. Hardy's error. Howie Kendrick grounded into a 6-4-3 double play, but Michael Saunders walked on four pitches to extend the inning.

Maikel Franco became the third Phillies hitter to produce a six-pitch at-bat before grounding out.

Lee threw 22 pitches in the second inning while allowing a two-out single to Andres Blanco and walking Ryan Hanigan. Hernandez grounded out to end another six-pitch at-bat and run Lee's count to 48, including 23 for strikes.

Lee retired the side in order in the third on two ground balls and a fly ball - followed by a nice ovation from the crowd at Ed Smith Stadium.

Ryan Meisinger, brought over from minor league camp, replaced Lee in the fourth.

Before tonight, Lee had allowed one run and five hits in eight innings over three relief appearances. He walked one and struck out eight. Updating his totals, he's allowed one run and seven hits with three walks and nine strikeouts in 11 innings this spring.

Asked what's impressed him the most about Lee, manager Buck Showalter said, "Being able to pitch in the strike zone with his fastball, works fast, throws the ball over.

"Not many people can pitch with their fastball in the strike zone. See a lot of deep, deep swings. The ball's getting deep on some decent hitters.

"This should be a good test for him tonight. Guys are starting to rev it up, guys are playing deeper into the game. I really wanted to get this look, and who knows? Maybe another one. Same way with Ynoa tomorrow.

"I think he's starting to grasp a little bit the breaking balls, too, that should really put him at another level. Stuff-wise he can pitch here. It's just we're trying to get a feel whether you're going to be able to trust the other stuff. He's a confident young man. There's a lot more substance there than initially meets the eye maybe."

A lat injury pretty much robbed Lee of his 2016 season beyond eight games at Double-A Bowie. Does the limited work factor into any decision regarding Lee's ability to pitch in the majors this year - specifically a timetable?

"It's something you think about, but physically he's over that from our indications," Showalter said. "If you look at his history of innings pitched and stuff, he's a guy who could pitch a lot of innings for a club this year, whether it be here or somewhere else. But there's a lot of things to cross over before we go in that direction.

"Sometimes, that can work in your favor, not having that wear and tear."

Lee is 20 pounds heavier than last spring.

"He's put on a lot of solid weight," Showalter said. "He's over 200 pounds now. He's not 6-1, he's 6-3. He's a big boy and he creates a great angle when he pitches, too. I know the guys love playing behind him because he gets it and throws it."