Orioles name Chris Tillman Opening Day starter

Orioles starter Chris Tillman has a 32-25 career record in five major league seasons. (AP Photo/Chris Bernacchi)

The Baltimore Orioles tapped right-hander Chris Tillman to start on Opening Day against the defending world champion Boston Red Sox, Orioles manager Buck Showalter announced.

Tillman, 25, went 16-7 with 3.71 ERA with 179 strikeouts in 206.1 innings last season and was selected as an All-Star for the first time. Tillman set career bests in innings pitched and wins.

"I'm proud of him. He deserves it,"  Showalter said.

Showalter said veteran Ubaldo Jimenez will start the second game against the Red Sox. Tillman will be the fifth different Opening Day starter in the last five years. Last year, Jason Hammel started on Opening Day for the team.

"Anytime you get the chance to get that kind of opportunity it's a big deal," Tillman said.

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