Chris Tillman, a right-handed pitcher, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles. Born on April 15, 1988, in Anaheim, California, Tillman was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the second round of the 2006 MLB Draft. However, his journey to the majors took a significant turn when he was traded to the Orioles in 2008 as part of a package deal for Erik Bedard.
Tillman made his MLB debut with the Orioles on July 29, 2009, against the Kansas City Royals. In his rookie season, he showed promise with a fastball that could reach the mid-90s and a developing curveball. Over the next few years, Tillman worked to establish himself as a reliable starter in the Orioles' rotation. His breakout season came in 2012 when he posted a 9-3 record with a 2.93 ERA in 15 starts, helping the Orioles reach the postseason for the first time since 1997.
The 2013 season saw Tillman earn his first All-Star selection. He became the ace of the Orioles' pitching staff, finishing the year with a 16-7 record and a 3.71 ERA over 33 starts. His performance was instrumental in leading the Orioles to another postseason appearance. Tillman continued to be a mainstay in the Orioles' rotation over the next few seasons, consistently delivering solid performances.
In 2014, Tillman played a crucial role in the Orioles' successful campaign, which culminated in an American League East division title. He started 34 games, achieving a 13-6 record with a 3.34 ERA. His efforts helped the Orioles advance to the American League Championship Series, although they were ultimately swept by the Kansas City Royals.
Tillman's 2015 season was marked by ups and downs, as he finished with an 11-11 record and a 4.99 ERA. Despite the challenges, he remained a key part of the Orioles' rotation. In 2016, he bounced back with a strong performance, going 16-6 with a 3.77 ERA, once again helping the Orioles reach the postseason. Tillman started the American League Wild Card Game against the Toronto Blue Jays, though the Orioles were eliminated in extra innings.
Injuries began to take a toll on Tillman's career starting in 2017. Shoulder issues limited his effectiveness, and he struggled to regain his previous form. That season, he posted a 1-7 record with a 7.84 ERA in 24 appearances. Despite efforts to return to form in 2018, Tillman continued to face challenges on the mound, leading to his release from the Orioles in July of that year.
After his time with the Orioles, Tillman signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers in 2018, but he did not make it back to the majors. His career, marked by early promise and periods of strong performance, was ultimately hindered by injuries in its later stages.
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