Tillman (shoulder) threw a successful bullpen on Sunday and he's not far from making his spring debut, Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tillman is right on schedule with his recovery from the shoulder ailment that nipped him in mid-February. Manager Buck Showalter is encouraged by his ace's progress, but is wary of setbacks. "We were trying not to jinx ourselves and get ahead of it," Showalter said. "It's the plan that we had. Everything's falling on the calendar that we put up three weeks ago or two weeks ago. He's right on schedule. It's going to be tough to withstand any setbacks, but if he stays on schedule, he's fine." It's beginning to sound like Tillman, who tied a career high with 16 wins last season, has a chance to be ready and make his fourth consecutive Opening Day.