Though the Orioles aren't saying it officially, today's start will likely be the last for prized rookie right-hander Chris Tillman. In 29 combined outings between the majors and minors this season, the 21-year-old has logged 159 2/3 innings after throwing 135 2/3 last year.
The Orioles, who have already shut down rookie left-hander Brian Matusz, don't want Tillman to have much more than a 20 percent increase in innings over last year. A 20 percent increase would mean approximately 162 innings, a mark that Tillman would pass if he gets through the third inning today.
Waters is the likely candidate to take Tillman's final turn in the rotation.
Pie's status
The Orioles got relatively good news about injured outfielder Felix Pie, who will likely miss a couple of games and does not appear done for the season.
Pie suffered a left quadriceps strain trying to beat out a double play in the seventh inning Friday night. After passing first base, he collapsed to the ground and threw his helmet in frustration.
"Richie Bancells, our head athletic trainer, thought it was going to be a whole lot more severe than what it is," Trembley said. "Thank God, it's not. The kid has played very well for us. We're confident that we'll be able to get him back. He did get checked out last night here by the Indians' team doctor, and he will be checked out again Monday when we get to Tampa."
Pie, who has filled in admirably in center field in Adam Jones' absence, won't play again in this series but should return for the final week. With Pie out, Lou Montanez made his first start in center field.
Around the horn
The Orioles and Washington Nationals, who entered Saturday night with 194 combined losses, are poised to become the first pair of teams in a shared market to post 200 combined defeats since the Philadelphia Phillies (108 losses) and the then-Philadelphia Athletics (98) did it in 1945. ... Shortstop Cesar Izturis is dealing with a virus and was held out of the lineup. ... Second baseman Brian Roberts is two walks shy of recording his third season with at least 25 steals, 50 doubles, 70 walks and 100 runs scored, a feat that has been accomplished by only four other players since 1900. Tris Speaker, Kiki Cuyler, Craig Biggio and Bobby Abreu all did it once.
