Chris Tillman, the Orioles' rock of a starting pitcher who has anchored an unsteady rotation all season, has been scratched from Wednesday's start due to shoulder discomfort, manager Buck Showalter said. Dylan Bundy will start in his place, and the Orioles will aim to pitch Tillman on Saturday against the Astros.
Showalter said he discussed Tillman's status with the pitcher, head athletic trainer Richie Bancells, bullpen coach Dom Chiti, and pitching coach Dave Wallace.
"We're just going to stay on the safe side with the off day and keep everybody else in turn," Showalter said. "Gallardo's working with an extra day. the other guys will be on turn and push Chris back to Saturday."
Showalter wasn't sure if the issue cropped up during Tillman's side sessions, or during his last start Thursday against the Oakland Athletics. In that outing, Tillman allowed two runs on five hits in seven innings to improve to 15-4 on the season, with a 3.46 ERA in 25 starts (151 innings).
"Richie and I were talking about it on the plane [Sunday] a little bit, and tonight, wanted to see how he felt today," Showalter said. "He's better. Getting there. We have the luxury of giving him some extra time, we're going to do it."
Bundy is on four days rest, having last pitched Friday in San Francisco. Kevin Gausman and Wade Miley will also stay on turn for the first two games against Houston.
Meanwhile, right-hander Yovani Gallardo said he didn't expect there to be any lingering effects of the line drive that hit him in the right forearm in the fifth inning Tuesday. Gallardo said it hit an area with mostly muscle, and he hadn't had any tests on it.