Tillman providing a surprise spark for the Orioles
Chris Tillman came into this season largely considered a bust or an underachiever for the Baltimore Orioles. He started the season with the Norfolk Tides and did not start well with the Tides.
Last season, Tillman finished the year with a 5.52 era and his velocity seemed to come and go. He would pitch with a fastball around 87-89 mph and his delivery was always moving around.
Tillman worked hard though, learning new pitches and even changed his deliver and looks like the prospect that the Orioles got from the Seattle Mariners. Tillman changed his deliver to make it more compact and it has brought his velocity back to 92-96 mph.
Now Tillman is going strong with a career high four-game winning streak and a 2.38 era. Tillman is 5-1 and has earned a decision in each of his starts. It took Tillman part of three seasons to record his first five wins. He only recorded two wins in each of his first two seasons with the Orioles.
Tillman was very young when he made it to the big leagues, he was 21 years old. He earned his way to the big leagues, he was lights out at every level in the minors but he rarely had his good stuff in the majors.
The Orioles have to be pleased with how he has preformed, last night was another outstanding game from Tillman. Last night, Tillman went 7 1/3rd innings and allowed only one run against the Mariners, his former team. Tillman looks like the one member of the “Calvary” that has had the light bulb turn on.
At the very least Tillman has provided a spark for the Orioles as they continue to end their long losing season streak.
Watch the highlights from this gem Tillman threw.
