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Baltimore Orioles: Chris Tillman attempting comeback

By David Hill

BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 10: Manager Buck Showalter takes out out form the game Chris Tillman #30 of the Baltimore Orioles during a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden on May 10, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Orioles won 11-9. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chris Tillman;Buck Showalter
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 10: Manager Buck Showalter takes out out form the game Chris Tillman #30 of the Baltimore Orioles during a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden on May 10, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Orioles won 11-9. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chris Tillman;Buck Showalter /
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It has been three years since we have seen Chris Tillman on a major league mound. The former Baltimore Orioles All Star had been a solid pitcher from 2013 through 2016, emerging as a reliable option in the middle of their rotation. However, he completely fell apart afterwards, being released by the Orioles in 2018. He signed a minor league deal with the Rangers that year, but never returned to the majors.

Three years later, Tillman is looking to return. He is attempting a comeback, working with his former pitching coach in an effort to find his way back to the game.

Former Baltimore Orioles All Star Chris Tillman finally healthy again

Tillman had an impressive four year run in Baltimore before falling apart. From 2013 through 2016, he posted a solid 56-30 record with a 3.91 ERA and a 1.276 WHiP. He struck out 589 batters over his 758.2 innings, issuing 264 walks. Tillman may not have been an ace, but he was a solid arm in the middle of the Orioles rotation.

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Then everything fell apart. Tillman was a disaster over the next two seasons, posting an 8.42 ERA and a 1.964 WHiP in his 119.2 innings. His strikeout rate dropped as his walk rate spiked. He also could not keep the ball in the yard, allowing 30 homers in that brief span.

There may have been extenuating circumstances to cause that dramatic falloff in productivity. He had shoulder surgery in 2019, and is presumably healthy now. Tillman had begun a comeback last season that had been put on hold due to the pandemic, but is now ready to resume that journey.

Although he is not going to receive a major league pact, Tillman could generate some interest. He will presumably have a showcase, and if he can show respectable velocity and command, could earn a minor league deal. Given how pitching is in such high demand, Tillman could be worth a flier if he shows that he has something left in the tank.

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Chris Tillman is attempting to make a comeback. He may never be the All Star that he was with the Baltimore Orioles, but he could be worth a flier.

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