Pregame notes on Tillman, Miley, Smith, more (updated)

DUNEDIN, Fla. - Chris Tillman threw today from 60-90 feet without any discomfort in his right shoulder. He'll expand the distance on Tuesday and continue to throw every other day as long as there are no setbacks.

Tillman will head north with the team instead of remaining back at extended spring training. Manager Buck Showalter wants him to be part of the opening day festivities and it also gives the club a chance to monitor his bullpen sessions.

Wade-Miley-throwing-black-sidebar.jpgLeft-hander Wade Miley had a good work day and remains scheduled to start Tuesday against the Braves in Lake Buena Vista.

Seth Smith went 3-for-4 today in an intrasquad game and his hamstring felt good. Zach Britton and Brad Brach each threw an inning, allowing them to pitch on back-to-back days.

Outfielder Chris Dickerson, who's been sidelined with a sore left shoulder, should be available on Monday.

Michael Bourn's timetable hasn't changed. He isn't expected to play before mid-April because of a broken right ring finger. However, he's been allowed to remove the splint at times and flex the tip of his finger.

Reliever Stefan Crichton was told yesterday that he will pitch an inning today. Pitching coach Roger McDowell came up with the idea, wanting to gauge how Crichton responds to advance notice.

Crichton leads the club with three spring saves despite not being in major league camp. He hasn't allowed a run or walked a batter in six innings, and he's struck out six batters.

"He's got everybody's attention," Showalter said.

Showalter said he prefers left-hander Jayson Aquino in a starting role, though he didn't rule out using him in relief. The club believes that Aquino "presents himself" as a starter.

Former Orioles pitcher Todd Frohwirth, who was working as a major league scout in the organization, died this morning at age 54. He recently was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Frohwirth spent three of his nine seasons with the Orioles from 1991-1993. In his first season, he went 7-3 with a 1.87 ERA in 51 appearances.

Showalter invited Frohwirth to camp in 2014 to work with Darren O'Day on improving his changeup. They threw from the same angle.

The Orioles will hold a moment of silence for Frohwirth before Monday's game in Sarasota.

"He was a special member of the Orioles family, one of our best scouts and a great human being. He's been a big contributor here," Showalter said.

"Sad. Way too young."

Update: We're tied 1-1 in the bottom of the third inning.

Chris Johnson had an RBI single in the first after walks to Chris Gentry and Trey Mancini. Gentry stole second and third base. The Jays tied the game in the bottom of the first on Melvin Upton Jr's leadoff double and two ground balls.




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