Chris Tillman has been scratched Monday at Triple-A Norfolk and could be on his way to Baltimore. The O's need a starter for Wednesday, and Tillman seems likely to be the guy. He's registered a 2.88 ERA over his last 10 starts at Norfolk and makes for a decent streaming option in AL-only fantasy leagues.

Chris Tillman was scratched from his scheduled start Monday with Triple-A Norfolk because he had jury duty. In other words, any speculation over injury was unfounded. Tillman had a strong spring training, but he owns a 5.30 ERA over his first four starts at the Triple-A level this season.

Chris Tillman pitched extremely well in his second start for Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, allowing just three hits in 5 2/3 shutout innings. Tillman struck out eight and walked two on the evening. He also got eight ground ball outs, allowing only one fly ball in the game. He's someone to keep a serious eye on if Brian Matusz continues to struggle in the Orioles' rotation.

Orioles optioned RHP Chris Tillman to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles are not planning on moving Chris Tillman to the bullpen just yet. It's a move that might be inevitable, though, as Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com intimates. Tillman's velocity has been up this spring, and he was able to air it out even more over a one-inning relief appearance Thursday when he struck out the side.

Chris Tillman struck out the side in his inning of relief Thursday against the Twins. Judging by the fact that he pitched just an inning, Tillman is out of the mix for a spot in Baltimore's rotation. The team could consider keeping him as a reliever, though, and he'd be quite a sleeper in that role. His velocity is up anyway this spring and it could increase further if he can air it out for an inning at a time.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter wouldn't rule out the possibility of Chris Tillman in the Opening Day rotation. "I've really been impressed with his stuff,'' Showalter said. ''Tilly's a guy with a big upside. I feel good about where he is. His arm is a lot further along than it was last year at this time." Reporting to camp in ''noticeably better shape,'' Tillman has allowed just three runs in 8 1/3 innings in three spring games.

According to MLB.com, Chris Tillman reported to spring training in ''noticeably better shape'' and was clocked at 95 mph in Sunday's game against the Red Sox. Tillman spent the offseason working out with Brady Anderson and pitching coach Rick Adair, and will compete for a rotation spot with the Orioles for the third straight season. A former top prospect, Tillman is likely to start out pitching on the minor league side, but has some post-hype sleeper appeal.

Chris Tillman gave up three runs -- two earned -- and four hits in two innings against the Red Sox on Tuesday. Tillman's stuff isn't what it was when he was a top prospect, and he's threatening to fall completely out of Baltimore's plans. He really needs to show the brass something this spring.

Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports that the Orioles "would be willing" to trade Chris Tillman this offseason. Tillman is still just 23 years old, but with a 5.58 career ERA over 180 2/3 innings and struggling even at Triple-A this season (5.19 ERA), he's running out of chances. If he isn't dealt, Tillman would be in line to compete for a spot in the starting rotation next spring but would likely begin 2012 back at Triple-A. Perhaps the former top prospect would be best served with a fresh start in another organization.