Orioles Updates: Meredith, Reimold, Tillman

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Righthander Cla Meredith, acquired in a July 19 trade from San Diego in exchange for utility man Oscar Salazar, has finally arrived at his new home ballpark.

"I'm excited to be here," said Meredith, who grew up in Richmond, Va., and previously played for the Boston Red Sox.

Joining the Orioles also gives Meredith an opportunity to remember how he idolized Cal Ripken Jr. during the Hall of Famer's career in Baltimore. It's no coincidence that Meredith employs a sidearm delivery reminiscent of how Ripken used to throw runners out from shortstop.

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Left fielder Nolan Reimold a speed merchant?

Reimold swiped three bases during the Orioles' recent road trip and the rookie now has five thefts in as many tries this season.

The speed game only adds to Reimold's impressive rookie resume. He's hitting .281, second among rookies, and leads first-year players with nine home runs and 27 RBIs.

Orioles manager Dave Trembley always considered Reimold a good base runner, and predicted the 25-year-old would run a little more once he got acclimated to the majors.

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Orioles manager Dave Trembley continues to be evasive when asked who will start against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, stopping short of announcing rookie right-hander Chris Tillman's impending major league debut.

Trembley previously announced that the Orioles will promote a pitcher from Triple-A Norfolk for that outing. Top pitching prospect Tillman hasn't pitched since July 23 and would be working on an extra day's rest. Still, Trembley prefers to let observers connect the dots rather than detail his plans.

If the 21-year-old Tillman gets the call, his former minor league batterymate predicts a successful debut and a long Orioles career.

Matt Wieters said Tillman relies on his fastball to challenge hitters, but uses power pitches to set up a plus curveball. Tillman's changeup, a still-developing part of his repertoire, is coming along, the catcher added.

Wieters thinks the Orioles are about to add another poised youngster to their rotation. Tillman, one of five players obtained from Seattle in a February 2008 trade for Erik Bedard, is 8-6 with a 2.70 ERA in 18 starts for the Tides and has struck out 99 in 96 2-3 innings.