Notes on Tillman, the bullpen, Bridwell and more

Chris Tillman told Orioles manager Buck Showalter this morning that his right shoulder felt good following last night's start, which lasted two-plus innings in a 12-2 loss to the Astros.

"Said he actually felt better today than he normally does after a start, which verifies last night. That's good news today," Showalter said.

Reliever Darren O'Day is "actually doing better the last couple days," Showalter said. "That's good."

The Orioles continue to scramble for fresh arms. T.J. McFarland was supposed to continue his injury rehab assignment today after pitching twice at Single-A Frederick, but he's been pushed back to Monday in case they need him in the bullpen.

"Make some plans if we have a need for a pitcher tomorrow," Showalter said. "We were doing that last night and today, trying to set it up. It's tough, too, because you have people on the roster who have to pitch down there, too. Can't let them sit too long."

Director of player development Brian Graham has been a tremendous help to Showalter.

"Brian does a good job of staggering those guys so they don't all pitch on one day," he said.

The latest search for a long reliever has brought the Orioles to rookie Parker Bridwell, who found out last night on the bus ride from Durham to Norfolk that he'd be recalled for today's game.

Bridwell received a phone call from Tides manager Ron Johnson, who was riding on the bus ahead of the one transporting other players. One of the more intriguing pitching prospects was headed to the majors.

Showalter's son, Nathan, an amateur area scout in the organization, knows all about Bridwell and his popularity back in his hometown of Hereford, Tx.

"My son was out there in West Texas," Showalter said. "All they want to talk about is Parker Bridwell. The most celebrated athlete to ever come out of there."

The Bridwell family is celebrating his promotion.

"That was one of our few options," Showalter said. "Mike (Wright) had pitched the day before. Jason (Garcia) pitched the night before. (Jayson) Aquino pitched last night to get through that game. McFarland, not quite there yet.

"Parker Bridwell, he had a real good three-inning stint, now three days off, so we had to back off him last night. We were looking for a way to bring two, especially with the rain (today), the potential to start and stop. It wasn't there.

"It was very challenging to get him here roster-wise. Thought about playing with one catcher today, but every time Caleb (Joseph) took a foul tip last night, didn't think that was a good idea."

Showalter continues to praise utility infielder Ryan Flaherty for taking the ball in the ninth inning with the bullpen depleted. Flaherty allowed two runs on three hits, but he didn't walk a batter and didn't overthrow in an attempt to impress the radar gun readers in the dugouts and stands.

Flaherty topped out at 85 mph. I know pitchers who gladly would take it.

"I knew we were going to be an inning short," said Showalter, who figured out after the fifth inning that he'd fall an inning short of covering the game with his bullpen. "Even if Mychal (Givens) or Brad (Brach) had a seven- or eight-pitch inning, I wasn't going to get them up twice. Trying to live to fight another day and have those guys available today.

"I was not going to use Zach (Britton). I had a lot of conversations with Dom (Chiti) down there that Zach could and would have contributed, but I took that out of his hands. I was trying to get through it. I had to leave myself some wiggle room about who you pitch, shortstop and what positions you can substitute for and not substitute for."

Shortstop J.J. Hardy was willing to give it a shot.

"I think there's a lot of curiosity about J.J.'s knuckleball," Showalter said.

"I've done it. It's a lot more difficult than you think it is."

Dylan Bundy will oppose Stephen Strasburg in Monday night's series opener against the Nationals at Camden Yards, with Kevin Gausman and Reynaldo Lopez pitching on Tuesday.

Wade Miley and Chris Tillman will start the two games that follow in D.C., while the Nats send Tanner Roark and Max Scherzer to the mound.

On this date in 1998, Cal Ripken, Jr. notched his 2,849th career hit, a seventh-inning single against the Indians at Camden Yards, to pass Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson as the Orioles' all-time hits leader.

For the Astros
George Springer RF
Alex Bregman 3B
Jose Altuve 2B
Carlos Correa SS
Evan Gattis C
Yulieski Gurriel DH
A.J. Reed 1B
Marwin Gonzalez LF
Teoscar Hernandez CF

Dallas Keuchel LHP