Orioles option right-hander Chris Tillman to Triple-A Norfolk

SARASOTA, Fla. — Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman knew  this morning he'd be pitching five innings in a minor-league game on Sunday to continue to stretch out his arm.

He didn't know he'd be officially doing it as a member of Orioles minor-league camp.

Tillman was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk Saturday morning before the Orioles' road Grapefruit League game against the Pirates in Bradenton. He will open the season as a starter at Norfolk.

The move also leaves 15 pitchers for 12 spots. It also means that the team's No. 5 starter slot will definitely go to either lefty Brian Matusz or lefty Tsuyoshi Wada.

Tillman allowed five runs (four earned) and 12 hits with 6 strikeouts and 3 walks over 12 1/3 innings in five outings this spring, That included three outings of three innings or more.

This is Tillman's final minor-league option.