Today's game and more on Jimenez

CLEVELAND - The Orioles wish today's game could be played on paper. It may not soak up the rain, but otherwise, they'd have the advantage.

They need a starter to go deep after Ubaldo Jimenez lasted only 1 2/3 innings yesterday. Though they received 4 1/3 innings from reliever Vance Worley, another abbreviated outing almost certainly would force the Orioles to make a roster move to provide a fresh bullpen arm.

Well hello, Chris Tillman.

Tillman has strung together a career-high seven quality starts in a row and is 6-1 with a 2.61 ERA in 10 games. He's 4-0 with a 2.14 ERA in five starts this month, allowing eight runs and 23 hits in 33 2/3 innings. He's surrendered only two home runs in May and three for the season.

Meanwhile, Indians right-hander Mike Clevinger is making his third major league start. He's allowed 10 runs and 12 hits in 10 1/3 innings, with four walks, nine strikeouts and three home runs.

A reverse lock? The Orioles hope that's not the case.

Tillman just needs to get through the first inning, when opponents are batting .317/.391/.488. He's posted a 5.40 ERA, with six runs allowed.

Tillman is 4-2 with a 3.89 ERA in seven career starts against the Indians and 2-2 with a 5.75 ERA in four starts at Progressive Field, which may be covered again by a tarp if the forecast holds true.

Jason Kipnis is 3-for-11 with a double and home run against Tillman.

Clevinger was 5-0 with a 3.03 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A Columbus before joining the Indians' rotation.

Adam Jones' double in the seventh inning yesterday tied him with Melvin Mora for 11th place on the Orioles' hits list with 1,323.

Mora, by the way, belted two home runs yesterday in the Hall of Fame Classic in Cooperstown, N.Y. They didn't count among his all-time Orioles hits, however.

Matt Wieters is 15-for-34 during an eight-game hitting streak.

Mark Trumbo had his first multi-double game yesterday since July 7, 2015.

The Orioles haven't listed their starters for the upcoming four-game series against the Red Sox at Camden Yards, but they'll miss left-hander David Price, who pitched yesterday.

If he stays in turn, Jimenez will take the mound again Thursday night. He's 2-5 with a 7.25 ERA in 12 career starts against the Red Sox.

I'll repeat that I don't see the Orioles releasing Jimenez, who's owed $13.5 million next season. As for trading him, a team really would have to covet that draft pick.

Jimenez could be moved to the bullpen, with Worley taking his place. Worley also pitched yesterday and would easily slot into Jimenez's spot. Otherwise, the Orioles could wait on Yovani Gallardo or T.J. McFarland, who's scheduled to come off the minor league disabled list and start today at Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles have lost 10-0, 10-2 and 11-4 in Jimenez's last three outings. He isn't responsible for every run, but you get the idea.

One of the nicest guys in baseball is putting up some really harsh numbers and burdening the bullpen. There needs to be a quick fix or a change. That much is obvious.