Talking about Tillman

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 19, 2010, 12:28pm

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The only good news to report on Chris Tillman relates to his health. He's feeling fine, according to John Stockstill, the Orioles' director of player development. We'll need to find another excuse for Tillman, who lasted only one inning yesterday and allowed four runs and four hits, issued two walks, threw two wild pitches and hit a batter. Tillman was removed after throwing 42 pitches, 24 for strikes. His early exit led to some speculation that he might be hurt, but Stockstill said that wasn't the case. "It was just the way he was pitching," Stockstill said. "He warmed up well, but he just didn't seem to have his good stuff in the game. He reached around 40-42 pitches and came out. "It's no injury or anything like that." Tillman is 0-3 with an 8.38 ERA in three starts, with nine runs and 17 hits allowed in 9 2/3 innings. He's walked four and struck out 10. "He's making progress, but he needs to locate his curveball better in the zone," Stockstill said. "He's just kind of had a tough two or three outings." To say the least. "I'm not concerned about it," Stockstill added. Stockstill expects to be with the Tides for Tillman's next start. He's spending the next two days in Delmarva.