The question now is whether Wilson (2-1) pitched well enough to extend his stay in the big leagues after his spot start in place of injured right-hander Chris Tillman. Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
OAKLAND, Calif. — Baltimore Orioles rookie right-hander Tyler Wilson proved Monday night that he could win as a starter in the major leagues, holding the Oakland A’s to two runs on six hits over 7 2/3 innings in a 9-2 victory.
The question now is whether Wilson (2-1) pitched well enough to extend his stay in the big leagues after his spot start in place of injured right-hander Chris Tillman.
“That’s not my call, man, that’s not my call,” Wilson said, smiling after his first win as a starter. “I have no idea. I go out there and pitch, and if they deem me to stay around, then I’m happy to be here.
“I think that I’ve shown them I can throw strikes and compete and be a part of what this ballclub’s trying to do. They’re trying to win games, and as a starter, my job is to go deep in the game and save the bullpen.”
Wilson certainly did all of the above against the A’s in his second major league start. Wilson, who earned his first big league win out of the bullpen May 22 against the Miami Marlins, made his first start May 28 against the White Sox. He gave up two runs and five hits over six innings but took the loss in a 3-2 defeat to Chicago.
The Orioles likely will need to call up a relief pitcher soon, but manager Buck Showalter said he hasn’t decided yet whether Wilson will be sent down.
“He knows how to win,” Showalter said. “I went back, his sophomore year in high school on, he’s been a winning pitcher. He’s athletic. With three pitches he can get over the plate, if he can get his feet on the ground early, he can make some guys not know what’s coming and keep it in the ballpark.”
