Tillman (back) is expected to throw off a flat mound Sunday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tillman will throw for the first time since suffering a back strain. He still has a long way to go, as he'll likely need to progress through a throwing program and then complete a minor-league rehab stint before a return can be considered.

Tillman (back) will report to the Orioles' spring training facility in Florida on Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tillman was placed on the disabled list last week with a lower-back strain. The 30-year-old is reportedly still dealing with some pain and has yet to resume throwing, leaving him without a timetable for his return. Once the pain subsides, Tillman will presumably pick up a throwing program at extended spring training before eventually heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment. His return date will ultimately depend on when he resumes throwing. While Tillman is sidelined, David Hess and Miguel Castro are the top candidates to fill in for him in the rotation.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Sunday that there hasn't been any discussions regarding the next steps for Tillman (back), Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tillman landed on the 10-day disabled list Friday with a lower-back strain and looks destined to miss more than the minimum amount of time since a throwing program doesn't seem to be imminent for the right-hander. Even if Tillman is cleared to return by the end of May, he won't be guaranteed a rotation spot after turning in a 10.46 ERA and 2.21 WHIP in 26.2 innings. The 30-year-old looks like a safe cut outside of AL-only formats.

Tillman was put on the 10-day disabled list due to a lower-back strain.

EDGE Analysis

Tillman had a second straight disastrous outing during Thursday's start against Kansas City, allowing five earned runs while recording just four outs. The club didn't specify a timetable for Tillman and it remains to be seen whether the right-hander will still have a spot in the Orioles' rotation upon his return. In a corresponding move, Jimmy Yacabonis was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk.

Tillman (1-5) was tagged for six runs (five earned) in just 1.1 innings Thursday against the Royals. He allowed four hits, walked three batters, and was credited with a no-decision.

EDGE Analysis

The Orioles' bats bailed out Tillman in terms of not taking another loss, but this was yet another disastrous outing for the veteran. His velocity was sitting in the high-80s on his fastball and only touched 90 twice. Location was another issue; he walked two of the first three batters he faced and gave up a grand slam to fall into a 4-0 hole before recording the first out of the ballgame. Thursday marked Tillman's second straight start in which he failed to make it out of the second inning and it's unclear if he'll be able to hang onto his rotation spot.

Tillman is scheduled to start Thursday against the Royals, Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was originally thought that Tillman would have his turn in the rotation skipped this week thanks to a team off-day Monday, but manager Buck Showalter wanted to afford Kevin Gausman some extra rest after going nine innings in his previous start, so Tillman will get the ball for Thursday's series finale while Gausman's start is pushed back. The 30-year-old has struggled to a 9.24 ERA through six starts (25.1 innings) this season.

Tillman won't take the mound during the Orioles' three-game series with the Royals that runs Tuesday through Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dylan Bundy, Andrew Cashner and Kevin Gausman are listed as the Orioles' probable starters for the series, indicating that Tillman has been moved behind the latter two pitchers in the schedule. Due to an off day Monday, it's possible that Alex Cobb will also leapfrog Tillman in the order to start Friday's series opener against Tampa Bay on normal rest, leaving Tillman to take the hill for one game of a doubleheader Saturday versus the Rays. It's hardly a surprise that the Orioles have chosen to delay Tillman's next start after he lasted just one inning and was blitzed for a season-high seven runs in his last outing against the Angels on May 3. Tillman now carries a 9.24 ERA and 2.05 WHIP through six starts this season and could be at risk of losing his rotation spot with another poor showing his next time out.

Tillman (1-4) earned his first win of the season by allowing only one hit and two walks over seven shutout innings, and striking out five in Friday's 6-0 win over the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Tillman had yet to allow fewer than four runs or seven hits in each of his first four starts of the season, but he managed to turn in a gem against the Tigers on Friday. The 30-year-old now has a 7.03 ERA and 1.81 WHIP and only 13 strikeouts over 24.1 innings.

Tillman (0-4) took the loss Saturday agains the Indians, allowing four runs on eight hits and a walk in six innings of work. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Tillman was killed by home runs in Saturday's contest, giving up three homers: one to Yan Gomes, one to Jose Ramirez and another to Yonder Alonso. Fortunately they were all solo shots, but it didn't really matter what he did given that Mike Clevinger threw a complete game shutout for the opposing team. Tillman now sports a 9.87 ERA on the season, a figure he'll look to improve in his next start Thursday against Tampa Bay.

Tillman made it only two innings deep in Friday's loss to the Red Sox, giving up six runs on seven hits with two walks and no strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

Tillman gave up four runs in the first, including a three-run shot off the bat of Eduardo Nunez. He was then hit hard in the second to the tune of a couple doubles and didn't come back out for the third. He was already at 57 pitches by the end of two innings. In three starts, Tillman has surrendered 15 runs on 22 hits in 11.1 innings, and has walked 10 batters while striking out just three. Tillman struggled mightily last year, posting a 7.84 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in 19 starts, and so far it appears those struggles continue.