Baltimore Orioles: Chris Tillman on the comeback trail
By David Hill
After taking 2019 off, former Baltimore Orioles All Star Chris Tillman is looking to make a comeback.
When last we saw Chris Tillman, the former Baltimore Orioles All Star was just a shell of himself. Once one of the better pitchers in the AL East, Tillman had lost over 3 MPH on his fastball and dealt with injuries and ineffectiveness during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. He took last year off, having surgery to clean up the labrum in his right shoulder in June with the hope that he would be able to return to his former glory.
Tillman is now reportedly ready to begin his journey on the comeback trail. According to Joel Sherman, Tillman is planning to throw for teams during Spring Training.
Chris Tillman, who had surgery to clean up his labrum last June and did not pitch in 2019, is planning to throw for teams during spring training. From 2013-16 for the #Orioles, the righty was 56-30 with a 3.91 ERA before going 2-12, 8.42 in 2017-18.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 27, 2019
There was a time that Tillman was a solid top of the rotation option for Baltimore. From 2013 through 2016, Tillman posted a 56-30 record, along with a 3.91 ERA and a 1.276 WHiP. In his 758.2 innings, he struck out 589 batters with just 264 walks.
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His last two seasons in the majors were not as kind. Tillman had a brutal 2-12 record with an 8.42 ERA and a 1.964 WHiP. Over his 119.2 innings, he stuck out 76 batters while issuing 71 walks and 17 wild pitches. Tillman was also plagued by the long ball, allowing 30 home runs.
If Tillman is going to get another look, it will likely come in the form of a minor league deal. Given the time frame of when he plans on putting on his showcase, Tillman would likely need to stay behind in Spring Training to get ready, while getting action in minor league games. Or, he could conceivably head to Japan, heading overseas to resurrect his career.
Tillman could be an interesting reclamation project for a rebuilding team. If he can regain his previous form, he could be a viable trade chip at the deadline. Otherwise, he would not cost much, allowing any team to let him go with minimal cost should he not be able to regain his form.
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Former Baltimore Orioles All Star Chris Tillman is about to head down the comeback trail. If his velocity is back, he would certainly be worth a look for a team looking for a reclamation project.