Tillman's bullpen session cancelled due to shoulder discomfort

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Chris Tillman never made it to the mound this morning for his bullpen session and it's becoming more unlikely that he breaks camp as one of the Orioles' five starting pitchers.

Tillman had to be shut down after about 10 long tosses due to right shoulder discomfort, according to manager Buck Showalter. The club will check on him Monday and decide the next step.

The Orioles were prepared to put Tillman on the 10-day disabled list, backdated to March 30, but hoped that he could debut by April 15 when they needed a fifth starter. He would be eligible to return on April 9.

Ravens head orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Lee Ann Curl is checking on Tillman at the Ed Smith Stadium complex.

Tillman has been slow-played in camp after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection his right shoulder in December. He experienced the same discomfort that led to his stint on the disabled list last summer.

Showalter wasn't ready to state that Tillman had to go back to square one, saying that he didn't "want to be that black cloud." He may have more information to pass along following today's game against the Twins.

The internal candidates to replace Tillman in the rotation include Mike Wright, Tyler Wilson, Gabriel Ynoa, Jayson Aquino and Chris Lee. The Orioles also have memorized the free agent market, which includes Doug Fister, Edwin Jackson and Colby Lewis.

The news was much better on closer Zach Britton, who shattered bats during his bullpen session and is "ready to go," Showalter said.

Shortstop J.J. Hardy looked good taking swings in the cage. Now, it's just a matter of when he's comfortable playing in a game.

Left-hander Wade Miley is starting Tuesday's game against the Rays in Sarasota