Tillman unable to pitch due to back stiffness

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

May 16, 2015, 12:55pm

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Chris Tillman no longer is a candidate to replace Bud Norris as Sunday's starter against the Angels.

Tillman is bothered by lower back stiffness, an issue for him on occasion over the past few seasons. The latest flare-up occurred yesterday during Tillman's bullpen session.

Manager Buck Showalter said Tillman feels better today, but he's not going to start the series finale.

Norris, unable to start this weekend after being diagnosed with bronchitis, could be available out of the bullpen on Sunday. Otherwise, he might make Tuesday night's start against the Mariners at Camden Yards.

As for Sunday's starter, Mike Wright could make his major league debut if not used out of the bullpen tonight. That's my guess. Otherwise, left-hander T.J. McFarland or a Triple-A pitcher will get the assignment.

Second baseman Jonathan Schoop started baseball activities today in Sarasota. He hit off a tee, threw from 90 feet and performed agility drills. Schoop will field ground balls on Monday.

Matt Wieters caught seven innings today at extended spring training, but the Orioles say the heat and struggling pitchers made his workload seem like the equivalent of 15 innings.

Pitcher Hunter Harvey will visit Dr. James Andrews on Monday for a second opinion on his right elbow. Harvey had an MRI on Thursday and the Orioles recommended rest.

The Orioles are classifying Harvey's discomfort as a strained right flexor mass.