Former Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman has latched on with the Texas Rangers, signing a minor league deal with the club, the team announced Thursday.
Tillman, who was released and became a free agent last month after declining an outright assignment to pitch at Triple-A Norfolk, will now report to the Rangers' Triple-A team in Round Rock, Texas, within the next few days, according to a team spokesman.
The Orioles signed Tillman to a $3 million major league deal during spring training hoping the three-time Opening Day starter could regain his past form after a disastrous 2017 season. Instead, he went 1-5 with a 10.46 ERA in seven starts before landing on the disabled list with a lower back strain.
After posting a 6.75 ERA in six minor league rehabilitation starts, Tillman was designated for assignment July 20 and then released five days later.
Over a four-year stretch from 2013 to 2016, Tillman was the Orioles' most consistent starter, averaging 14 wins, 32 starts, 190 innings and a 3.91 ERA.
The Orioles open a four-game series in Texas on Thursday. It will be their last meeting with the Rangers this season.
