3:43PM: Tillman has been officially released, the Orioles announced.
1:15PM: Long-time Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman has elected free agency after clearing outright waivers, Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com reports on Twitter. He had been designated for assignment recently.
Tillman seemed all but certain to clear waivers, as he was pitching on a $3MM guarantee. The O’s will remain responsible for all of that cash, though it’s possible they’ll save a bit if he ends up returning to the majors with another organization. (Any team can employ him for only the league-minimum rate.)
It had seemed possible, though, that Tillman would elect to remain in the Baltimore organization at Triple-A — an option the team had expressed interest in. Instead, he’ll try to begin reviving his career elsewhere.
This brings an end to a lengthy relationship. Tillman came to Birdland as part of the notable 2008 trade that sent Erik Bedard to the Mariners — click here for a blast from MLB Trade Rumors past — and provided the O’s with plenty of quality innings. Tillman could have headed elsewhere after an injury-plagued 2017 campaign, but ended up returning on a make-good deal that obviously did not turn out as anyone hoped.
Tillman has struggled mightily across the board this year. He lasted only 26 2/3 innings in seven MLB starts while being tagged for a 10.46 ERA with a 13:17 K/BB ratio. After he went out on a rehab assignment, the results weren’t much different: in six minor-league starts, Tillman threw 26 2/3 frames of 6.75 ERA ball with a 13:12 K/BB ratio.
Peace, dude.
Washed
That “washed up pitcher” made over $20M in his career. I’m sure he’ll be just fine
What does that have to do with anything? No one mentioned his career earnings. Merely a simple observation that he’s washed out, which, by all measure, he likely is.
so?
He’s still washed, who cares what he made, nobody called him a loser
I’ll take “Washed up starting pitcher” for 200 Alex.
Shoulder injuries are a killer, man. A real shame.
Sounds like a dream for the Braves… he might pay them even?
I doubt the braves would look to add him, or that Tillman would seek to sign with a team that,has such a depth of young starters who could shortly compete for starts.
I think that Tillman may be more inclined to seek,out someone like Tampa who may would take a risk on him as a buy low candidate.
Welcome to pinstripes, Mr. Tillman.
Mariners, I would assume.
Stick a fork in him.
welcome back to Seattle Mr. Tillman. maybe we’ll get adam Jones back in the office season and finally have closure on that disasterous trade.
The Bedard Trade was the reason I found MLBTR, now I feel old
Thanks Tilly for all the good years. Good luck wherever you go.
I’ve never seen a good pitcher fall off the face of the earth like this before. Chris, hopefully you will sign on with another team and do well, further proving how f u the O’s coaching staff is which others fail to realize. If not, find solace in your young family. Thanks for the memories.
*Ubaldo Jimenez is waving *
So is 2-13 Cobb another terrible signing
Cobb is having a horrible year. It wasn’t a bad signing. They couldn’t predict how bad he would be
It was widely panned as a bad signing when it occurred actually. The reason why Cobb stayed unsigned so long is because he was asking for far too much money than what he would offer back in field results according to all scouting and advanced stats.
You can even read the comments on this website. The Orioles essentially bid against themselves.
Dontrelle Willis and Tim Lincecum (just off the top of my head) fell from even higher. It happens.
Welcome to Milwaukee, they won’t trade anything of value, so it’s a perfect fit.
At last time been up
Hope the Rangers can pick him up. Any pitching help would be an upgrade for the basement dwelling Rangers
Bah, He’ll catch on with another team and go on to have a quality career.
Bye Felicia
I wouldn’t be surprised if the White Sox offer him a minor league contract and move some people around to put him on the 40 man roster for a September call up to keep from chewing too many innings for our younger pitchers.
So does that mean Adam Jones is the only guy left from that trade right?
I can’t believe I forgot about that trade.
Yep. That trade produced 3 future all-stars for the O’s. Has to be one of the most lopsided trades in history.
They have tried everything with him. Since the surgery,he has never been the same.
Always liked Tillman. He was solid for a couple seasons. Hope he finds his groove again
Come join the Texas Rangers!
Padres should see if balsley can sort him out…
Seems like a Pirates or Rays type reclamation project, maybe Reds or Padres also…
Here ya go to my former proud team in St Louis, Low hanging fruit!!!! We could send down some young talent and throw this guy against the Cubs this weekend!