Baltimore Orioles: 5 Players Who Need a Big September to Make Playoffs

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Aug 20, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman (30) pitches during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

You might have saw the teaser on the last post that said Team MVP and thought Manny Machado would be the guy here. While the third basemen is having a season that should garner AL MVP votes and is obviously important to this team, Chris Tillman is the most valuable player for the Orioles.

Tillman has been the Orioles most consistent starter ever since becoming a regular part of the rotation in 2012. He finished with a career high 16 wins in 2013 and was one away from matching that total before a shoulder injury placed him on the DL on Aug. 23.

In 26 starts, Tillman is 15-5 and the Orioles have won 20 games that he has started. Do the math and the O’s are winning at a 77 percent clip when Tillman takes the mound, by far the best of any Orioles pitcher.

Tillman’s last start was a disaster, as he lasted just two innings while giving up six runs on six hits and five walks. It was his worst performance of the season and came after he had a start pushed back due to the shoulder injury.

Next: Recent Moves Enough to Get O's Into Postseason?

Baltimore is hopeful that he returns to the rotation on Sept. 9 or 10 against the Tigers. That would likely give him three more starts to finish out the regular season. The O’s need the Tillman that we saw prior to the injury, otherwise Oriole fans can kiss the postseason goodbye.

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