Notes on Rickard, Tillman, McFarland and more

The Blue Jays won today in New York, leaving the Orioles and Red Sox 1 1/2 games out of first place in the American League East.

Outfielder Joey Rickard will have his right thumb in a splint for another two to three weeks following today's appointment with a hand specialist.

The Orioles were hoping that Rickard would be available by Sept. 1, but that date no longer is attainable. However, they still anticipate that he will play next month.

Manager Buck Showalter used one of his favorite expressions, saying it's "when, not if" for Rickard.

Chris Tillman said his right shoulder feels better and he expects to make Saturday night's start against the Astros at Camden Yards.

Tillman said the shoulder discomfort surfaced a day after his start in Oakland and the team is being careful with him. Showalter said Tillman probably would start tonight if the Orioles were playing in late September, but there's no reason to take any chances with him on Aug. 17.

"He feels pretty good today," Showalter said.

Left-hander T.J. McFarland will pitch again Thursday at Single-A Frederick after allowing three runs and four hits last night in one-third of an inning. Lynchburg hit two home runs off him.

Showalter said the reports on McFarland weren't favorable, of course, but the reliever's velocity was good. The Orioles are hoping that McFarland can work two or three innings on Thursday.

Left-hander Ashur Tolliver threw a bullpen session as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

"He'll get back in the mix here shortly," Showalter said.

Showalter explained that Nolan Reimold's career numbers are a primary reason why Hyun Soo Kim is starting in left field tonight against David Price.

"Nolan's had quite a history with Price," Showalter said. "Nothing you want to hang your hat on."

Showalter added that plenty of other hitters have struggled against Price.

On this date in 1999, left-hander Jesse Orosco entered a game in the seventh inning at Camden Yards to retire Minnesota's Todd Walker on a fly ball to pass Dennis Eckersley and set the major league record with his 1,072nd career pitching appearance.

Orosco went on to appear in 1,252 games in his 24-year career.