The Orioles on Thursday announced that right-hander Chris Tillman will be the team's fifth starter when the season begins next week, reports MLB.com's Britt Ghiroli. The team has not, however, announced its fourth starter.
Because of their schedule, the team's fourth starter will also have the distinction of starting the home opener next weekend. Ghiroli said right-hander Jake Arrieta is expected to get the nod, but left-hander Brian Matusz remains in the rotation hunt as well. Arrieta has started the last two Camden Yards openers for the Orioles and got the ball on opening day last year.
The O's will open the season with three games in St. Petersburg against the Rays. Earlier this week, righty Jason Hammel was tabbed for the opening day start. Lefty Wei-Yin Chen and righty Miguel Gonzalez will follow in games two and three, respectively. The club will then head home for a weekend set against the Twins.
Tillman, 24, went 9-3 with a 2.93 ERA in 15 starts last year. The 27-year-old Arrieta went 3-9 with a 6.20 ERA in 18 starts and six relief appearances.
