Aug 20, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman (30) pitches during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Some shocking Baltimore Orioles news surfaced Tuesday that Chris Tillman is expected to miss Opening Day due to a PRP injection in December according to Roch Kubtako from MASNsports.com.

Chris Tillman has been the center of attention in the latest Baltimore Orioles news as the team’s Opening Day starter for the last three years appears likely to miss the start of the 2017 season.

The O’s are on to their first actual day of action of Spring Training, and it comes with a significant piece of Baltimore Orioles news.

Tillman received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his pitching (right) shoulder in December and is currently about three weeks behind schedule, according to Roch Kubatko.

Oddly enough, this information was kept away from reporters until now, since Tillman was at the minicamp that occurred earlier this winter.

Yes, it is still winter, even though Spring Training has begun, and temperatures in Baltimore next week will make it feel like baseball season.

The injury is the same shoulder that caused Tillman to go on the disabled list last season, which is concerning.

Buck Showalter, according to Kubatko’s article, said: “We have high hopes we can get this resolved, and he will pitch all year for us.”

For Oriole fans, a consistent and healthy Tillman is a big part of the 2017 success. Everyone expects a potent offense, but the pitching needs to perform at a high level.

Kevin Gausman is the favorite to lead the Orioles starting rotation with Dylan Bundy aiming to join him.

The team needs Wade Miley to look like he did the last few weeks of the season, and Ubaldo Jimenez to also perform up to his late-season standards (Wild Card game notwithstanding.)

So, what does it mean for the Orioles’ roster?

Well, with Tillman a few weeks behind, he could still be ready for the first week of the season, but probably not Opening Day.

With the new 10-day Disabled List, he can go on the DL and still be activated by April 9, cites Kubatko.

So, that means that the Opening Day starting duties would likely fall to Kevin Gausman.

In the end, that may actually be a benefit for the team and for Gausman. Gausman needs to take the next step and show he is a top of the rotation starter in 2017. By having him as the Opening Day starter, it shows the team’s expectations in him for this season.

In reality, Tillman should be the Orioles’ third starter if the rotation is listed according to potential, behind Gausman and Bundy.

As long as Tillman can get healthy and straightened out, this will just be a minor rotational lineup concern. Tillman may still make the same amount of starts and still start one of the first five games, as the Orioles are off on both April 4 and April 6.

However, if this injury is one that there is concern could affect his entire season, the Orioles would be prudent to sign a more reliable option.

Doug Fister remains available at this point, but not many others who would be an upgrade over Logan Verrett, Tyler Wilson, Mike Wright, Gabriel Ynoa, Joe Gunkel and others.

In the end, Gausman starting Opening Day is well-deserved, and probably puts the Orioles’ best pitcher on the mound to start the season.

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But, if it means that one of the stalwarts of their rotation is going to miss significant time, the Orioles’ season may be in trouble before it begins.

As I have preached continuously, the Orioles’ success relies on their starting rotation. It has ever since 2012. The offense will play, the defense will play.

But, the Baltimore Orioles need effective starting pitching. Chris Tillman is an important part of that, as he has been the Orioles’ most consistent starter over the last several years.