Rotation could spin in different directions (updated)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter, during his pregame session with reporters in Seattle, indicated that Chris Tillman could start Wednesday against the Mariners instead of Thursday against the Angels.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette told me earlier today that Tillman was scratched from his start in Triple-A Norfolk in case he was needed to pitch against the Angels, but Jake Arrieta could be pushed back a day. That seems to be the plan.

It might be a good idea to reintroduce Tillman to major league competition in Seattle. Nothing against the Mariners, but the Angels figure to provide stiffer competition, to put it mildly.

Tillman has made one career start against both teams - both at Camden Yards. He held the Mariners to one run and three hits in six innings. He gave up four runs (three earned) and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings against the Angels.

Dana Eveland started against the Indians on Saturday and allowed five runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings, with two walks and five strikeouts. He's 0-3 with a 6.40 ERA in seven career games (six starts) against the Angels.

I made the bold assumption that he was going back to the bullpen, but maybe not.

The only certainty about the Orioles' rotation beyond tonight is that Wei-Yin Chen is starting tomorrow night. Then it's all over the map. Could be Tillman Wednesday and Arrieta Thursday. Could be reversed. Could be Eveland Friday. Could be Zach Britton Friday.

It won't be Dontrelle Willis, who retired, or Jamie Moyer, who opted out. It apparently won't be Steve Johnson, who's been assigned to the bullpen. It won't be Jim Johnson, who's the closer. It won't be Nick Johnson, who's on the disabled list and isn't a pitcher.

Down on the farm, Tim Bascom took Tillman's turn in the Tides' rotation - try saying that three times fast - and allowed four runs and five hits in four innings, with four walks and three strikeouts. He threw 69 pitches after two innings and 93 in four, including 50 for strikes.

LJ Hoes extended his hitting streak to 13 games with an RBI double.

Bill Hall apparently suffered a leg injury while trying to score in the sixth, and Blake Davis replaced him at second base.

Double-A Bowie shortstop Manny Machado is 2-for-4 with a walk, three RBIs and two runs scored. He's batting .264 with 44 RBIs, and has five two-hit games in the last seven. Before tonight, he was hitting .314/.400/.571 with three doubles, two homers, 12 RBIs and eight runs scored in his last 10 games.

Aaron Baker hit his 16th home run for Single-A Frederick.

Update: Baker homered again in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game, 6-6.

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