Tillman, Rays-Orioles news and notes

Well Chris Tillman has been removed from the game before I could finish typing up my pregame notes. Tillman, coming off a near no-hitter in Texas, lasted just 2 2/3 innings and allowed seven hits and eight earned runs while walking four. With this poor outing, Tillman is now a candidate to return to Triple-A Norfolk this week when Kevin Millwood comes off the Disabled List on Wednesday.

Some better news, Brian Roberts reporter to Bowie this afternoon but said he felt well enough to play tonight for the Orioles. Juan Samuel, however, joked that he did put Roberts in the lineup... in Bowie. BRob told Samuel he'd like to go on the next road trip but the Orioles visit Toronto next and having BRob play/run on turf may not be the best idea. Samuel also said that given the many setbacks BRob has suffered this season,  he can't get his hopes up too high.

Luke Scott returned to the lineup as the designated hitter today after suffering a hamstring pull. With his return, Frank Mata was sent back down to Triple-A Norfolk. Mata, who made his Major League debut on May 26, called his time in the big leagues a "beautiful experience" and said while he's in the Minors he needs to work on the speed of his pitches as well as his command.

With BRob, Mike Gonzalez and Millwood scheduled to return soon, Samuel will have to make some decisions as to who will stay and who will go.

"It's getting kind of crowded," Samuel said.