Wrapping up the 11th day of workouts

SARASOTA, Fla. - Chris Tillman underwent an MRI yesterday to check for a sports hernia and the Orioles got the desired results. The issue isn't that serious.

"They said the report back was good," said manager Buck Showalter.

Tillman reported this morning that his hip felt much better. He's scheduled to pitch Saturday in a split-squad game, but is more likely to be held back a few more days.

Asked whether it's still in play, Showalter replied, "Barely. He was wanting to pitch in that game and I said, 'Let's just wait.' I may put (Odrisamer) Despaigne in there.

"I think it'll be a pretty quick back for him."

Tillman has been working out in Sarasota for so long, he's in no present danger of falling behind in camp.

"It actually helps him that he was that far along," Showalter said. "He'll be back I think shortly."

Yovani Gallardo will throw his second bullpen session on Tuesday and is eager to get into a game.

"The first one was good and hopefully it's the same tomorrow," he said.

Asked when he'll make his Grapefruit League debut, Gallardo smiled and said, "Hopefully soon."

It won't be in one of Saturday's split-squad games until the Orioles adjust their plans.

Chaz Roe said his left knee felt good during today's bullpen session. It stiffens a little when he's not moving, but it's fine on the mound.

Roe was impressive, getting nice movement on the ball. He threw to the strings that run across the plate.

"Tried it a little bit last year and this year," he said. "Dom (Chiti) and I have been working on getting on the strings. It helps locate a lot more and my misses are a lot smaller around the zone. I think that's been a big key for me this spring so far is just minimizing my big misses."

Roe was in camp as a non-roster invitee last spring. He's on the 40-man roster now and out of options. Not quite the same feel one year later.

"It's a little more relaxed, but at the same time you're still fighting for a position," he said. "I know nothing's guaranteed here and I'll just go out there and do what I've got to do."

The Orioles summoned players from minor league camp to assist in today's popup drills, including former first-round pick DJ Stewart. Showalter wanted the practice at game speed "so we didn't get fooled by it."

"They give more effort than big league runners do sometimes," he said.

Showalter said today's workout was "the best day we've had here so far."

"I feel real good about where we are," he said. "We had one thing we had to get shored up today and I really challenged the coaches and the players to feel good about.

"We had one thing we had to get better at. I didn't like it last year and I didn't like it the year before."

With the first exhibition game approaching, Showalter thinks the club has fewer questions than last spring.

"I think what's good, too, is we've identified where the competition is and who they are competing, where they're going to come from, unless somebody comes in from outside the group," Showalter said.

"Dan (Duquette) runs something by me every day, something that's out there. Most of it ... We both like where we are a little better.

"There's already been a couple come up you kind of go, 'Hmmm.' It's financial and the players you give up."

Showalter was asked again about first baseman Christian Walker playing the outfield this summer at Triple-A Norfolk.

"It's going to be hard with as many outfielders as we've got," he said.

"Right now, we're just trying to let him get through camp. It's obvious he's worked hard at first base. He's been impressive. He's playing a lot freer and easier. You can tell he doesn't have any anxiety about it. He worked hard at it. But things have a way of changing. There's a trade and all of a sudden, who knows? Somebody gets hurt.

"That's kind of a question for Dan and Brian (Graham). We talk about it a little bit. We don't think it will happen with (Trey) Mancini. But that was just in response to something you all asked me the other day. I wasn't saying that he would. I think there's been some talk about it, but now's not the time. I think (Walker) would be OK out there. I know he'd work hard at it."

Showalter warned against overlooking Walker while obsessing over Mancini, the organization's minor league Player of the Year in 2015, and Chris Davis, who signed a seven-year deal that guarantees $161 million.

"He can hit," Showalter said. "I think sometimes because of Trey and Chris, people ... We get asked about Christian. People weren't as loud about him in the first half, but the second half of the year, he was a strong consideration for Player of the Year, that second half he had. It was pretty impressive.

"He's one of those guys, too, you put a guy out there at second base, he just has a different level when there's a runner out there to be driven in. That's why he drives in runs his whole career."

Buck Showalter chats with scout Dean Albany.

Chaz Roe and Mychal Givens throw a bullpen session on the 11th day of workouts.

Brian Matusz winds up in his bullpen session at the Ed Smith Stadium complex.

Darren O'Day releases a pitch in his bullpen session.