Orioles confirm Bell signing, Tillman shuts out Royals

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

May 16, 2014, 6:35pm

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The Orioles made their agreement with Heath Bell official tonight, saying via Twitter that the veteran reliever will report to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday, pending a physical. Hold the Grant Balfour jokes, please. Most of these guys actually pass the physical. "Bell is a proven veteran pitcher with experience who has agreed to a Triple-A deal," executive vice president Dan Duquette tweeted tonight. "We believe he can help our major league club later this season." According to @TidesNotes, Bell ranks third on Norfolk's all-time saves list with 42. Bell's last minor league appearance came on Aug. 28, 2006 - a scoreless appearance for the Tides. Chris Tillman registered his first career nine-inning complete game and shutout, blanking the Royals 4-0 at Kauffman Stadium. The Orioles have 14 quality starts this season, including four by Tillman. Tillman allowed five hits, walked one and struck out three. The groin must not be bothering him anymore. The last Orioles complete-game shutout came from Scott Feldman on Sept. 6, 2013 against the White Sox. The Orioles have taken the first two games of this series and are 22-18.