masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgChris Tillman can tell you the exact time today that he found out he was being added to the American League All-Star team. Not long after he got the official word, he was being introduced to the crowd today as the fifth Oriole going to the game in New York.

“It’s an honor,” Tillman said. “It was kind of a surprise to find out last minute. It’s special for the city and special for me to go with my teammates.

“I heard it was a possibility yesterday but didn’t find out until today. Buck…Chris Tillman can tell you the exact time today that he found out he was being added to the American League All-Star team. Not long after he got the official word, he was being introduced to the crowd today as the fifth Oriole going to the game in New York.

“It’s an honor,” Tillman said. “It was kind of a surprise to find out last minute. It’s special for the city and special for me to go with my teammates.

“I heard it was a possibility yesterday but didn’t find out until today. Buck called me in the office and said congrats. He had to wait until 1:08 to tell me, so found out at 1:08 today.

“It is a big-time honor. Can’t tell you how excited I am right now. It’s going to be an experience for sure.”

The Orioles introduced their five All-Stars to the crowd in a brief pregame ceremony. At that point, reporters and fans didn’t know that five players would be introduced, but we all soon learned the news.

“That was neat (the ceremony),” Tillman said. “Good for the fans too. I found out about 10 minutes before that I was going out there.”

He has had a solid first half, going 11-3 with a 3.95 ERA over 19 starts. What have been some of the keys for him so far?

“Consistency I think is the biggest part of it,” he said. “The hard work in spring training last year carried over to this year. Also, being able to make adjustments on the fly and our offense is a big part. It’s exciting to watch these guys every day.”