masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Michael Weiner, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, is making the rounds again this spring, and he’s scheduled to stop by the Ed Smith Stadium complex this morning.

This is an annual visit, which closes the clubhouse to the media. Players won’t be available until after today’s 1:05 p.m. game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Chris Tillman will make his second start. He allowed one hit, walked two batters and struck out one in 1 2/3…SARASOTA, Fla. – Michael Weiner, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, is making the rounds again this spring, and he’s scheduled to stop by the Ed Smith Stadium complex this morning.

This is an annual visit, which closes the clubhouse to the media. Players won’t be available until after today’s 1:05 p.m. game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Chris Tillman will make his second start. He allowed one hit, walked two batters and struck out one in 1 2/3 innings against the Boston Red Sox in his debut.

Miguel Gonzalez will follow Tillman to the mound – but not too closely, because only one pitcher is allowed on it at one time – and this will be his 2013 Grapefruit League debut. Todd Redmond, Dylan Bundy and Adam Russell also are listed as available pitchers.

Steve Johnson was included in the game notes, but he’s starting Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin. Jair Jurrjens is now scheduled to follow Johnson.

Should we read anything into it?

Johnson threw a bullpen session yesterday in Sarasota, knowing that he wasn’t going to pitch today. It was a workout day.

Johnson has made two appearances this spring, allowing one hit, walking two and striking out three in three scoreless innings. He has a chance to make a real statement on Tuesday. The fifth-starter job is there for the taking. Someone needs to grab hold of it.

Jurrjens has allowed three earned runs (four total)and four hits in three innings, with four walks and no strikeouts.

As for today’s game, the Phillies are sending right-hander Kyle Kendrick to the mound. Justin De Fratus, Jake Dickman and B.J. Rosenberg also are listed on the travel roster.