Baltimore Orioles: Our Ace Beats Their Ace

Jun 14, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman (30) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Orioles top starter Chris Tillman came out on the winning end of a pitchers’ duel with Boston Red Sox ace David Price.

The entire discussion of what constitutes an “ace” is actually rather annoying. It is more than a bit subjective. But with a record of 9-1 in 14 starts, with an ERA of 2.87 and WHIP of 1.16, I think we can see Tillman as an ace at least by Orioles standards.

David Price – now there’s a true ace, right? After all, he’s 111-60 for his career and is a five-time All-Star, a CYA winner, and is making $30 million this season. That is close to a million dollars for each start. His record now is 7-4 with an ERA of 4.52 and WHIP of 1.13. Tillman is keeping good company.

Truly both were stellar on this evening where the Orioles prevailed 3-2 to take sole possession of first place. Price at one point retired 19 in a row, while Tillman set down 12 consecutive batters. Good stuff. Thank God for home runs by the amigos Machado and Schoop.

Zach Britton registered a five-out save. This is nothing to fear or be concerned about, especially after four days off. Beyond that he only threw a total of 22 pitches (whereas Tillman recorded 120).

In other pitching news, the good word is that Ubaldo Jimenez is headed for the bullpen. How he can be used there is a mystery yet to be solved, but surely he will do less damage in that role. He needs a total re-set.

Taking his place in the lineup will be Yovani Gallardo, apparently ready to go after his third rehab start in Norfolk. As written previously here, I have minimal faith in this as a long-term solution, but the Ubaldo situation has made me joyfully anticipate it.

Also added to the Orioles staff is Odrisamer Despaigne. To review, this 29-year-old Cuban has a MLB record of 9-16, ERA of 4.74 in two seasons of 222 innings with the Padres. His minor league numbers aren’t extra great this year, though he has thrown well in recent games and can provide length in the absence of Vance Worley.

This strategy of going with the hot hand is going to be the way the Orioles get through this 2016 season. Beyond Tillman and Kevin Gausman, the Orioles will hope to have an additional three starters generally pitch decent ball. The candidates to seize these spots are the aforementioned Gallardo, Jimenez and Worley. Despaigne can move up if he gets people out, just don’t bet too much on it. And then there are the rookies Mike Wright and Tyler Wilson.