When you perform the way Chris Tillman did for the Orioles in his 22-pitch start Monday on Opening Day, four days' rest is just too long to wait for another chance.

Manager Buck Showalter said Wednesday that Tillman would pitch Friday on three days' rest in the series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, pushing Mike Wright to Saturday.

“We don't want Chris to go four or five days without pitching again,” Showalter said. “I know he's happy about that. So are we.”

Tillman seemed to be on pace for a great Opening Day, striking out the last five batters he faced before a rain delay stopped the game for 70 minutes after the second inning, ending his start.

He had initially been scheduled to come back Saturday after Wright pitched Friday, but the two were swapped, and the Orioles will get the chance to see whether Tillman can sustain his promising stuff from Monday sooner than planned.

After Wright, the rotation is up in the air. Tyler Wilson and Vance Worley are among candidates to be the team's fifth starter, which the Orioles would need Sunday unless the schedule is affected by the looming wet, cold weather.

Showalter won't announce that starter until the team gets through tonight.

“I don't want to get ahead of myself,” he said.

Controversy calls for refresher: Showalter said his players would get a refresher course on the major leagues' new double play and slide rules, thanks to Tuesday night's game between the Rays and Toronto Blue Jays ending in controversy.

The Blue Jays had two runs taken off the board in the ninth inning and ultimately lost because right fielder Jose Bautista was ruled on replay to have interfered with Rays second baseman Logan Forsythe at second base by reaching his hand out and grabbing Forsythe's leg. Forsythe's throw on the double-play ball was off the mark and two runs scored before the double play was granted on review.

Former Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis, now with the Atlanta Braves, was also called for interfering with a double play this week.

“It was pretty cut and dry,” Showalter said. “Actually, they probably could have gotten [Bautista] on three things if they really wanted to. There's like five keys. You have to hit the dirt first, you can't be running on the right side and veer to the left to make contact, you can't slide past the bag. There's a little gray area about what's past the bag. And obviously, you can't grab anybody.

“They told us exactly what they were going to do, and so far they're doing it. It's not really open to interpretation.”

Showalter said the minor league managers in Triple-A Norfolk and Double-A Bowie were also being prepped on the rule, though their games don't have replay reviews. It's a matter of teaching new habits at all levels, Showalter said.

“We've heard the rules, so we know what they are,” shortstop J.J. Hardy said. “It's a matter of doing it. We've done it this way for a long time.”

Bundy glad to be remembered: Right-hander Dylan Bundy assumed fans would clap for him on his first Opening Day, but he was taken aback by how loud his ovation was upon his introduction.

It rivaled those of third baseman Manny Machado and center fielder Adam Jones, and showed that even after three years away working his way back from Tommy John elbow reconstruction and various arm and shoulder ailments, he's still a popular figure in Baltimore.

“It's neat that they still do remember me, I guess,” Bundy said. “It's been so long. It shows a lot of support, and I appreciate it.

“I don't know, I figured they'd clap. I didn't know they'd be that loud, I guess. It just means a lot that they still support me and hope I do well. It means a lot to me, and I'm glad they're still supporting me.”

Bundy made two appearances in September 2012, after the team brought him up from Double-A after he started that season in Low-A Delmarva. He entered Wednesday night awaiting his first appearance and said that's the next step in what has been a successful comeback.

“I want to perform for the fans and do good for them, but also for the team,” Bundy said. “I just want to help the team win.”

Bowie, Frederick to see Gausman: The Orioles' affiliates in Bowie and Frederick could get an attendance boost early in the season with rehabilitation starts by right-hander Kevin Gausman.

Gausman, who is on his way back from right shoulder tendinitis that shut him down earlier this spring, threw a 30-pitch bullpen session in Sarasota, Fla., on Wednesday before boarding a plane to Baltimore. He will pitch three or four innings Saturday at Bowie, then if that goes well, pitch a second rehab start next Thursday in Frederick before being activated April 19.

Kim not fazed by boos: South Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim was booed by a large section of fans during his introduction Opening Day, but Showalter said it didn't seem to have had much impact on his attitude.

“They're waiting to embrace him,” Showalter said. “So far, he hasn't had the opportunity yet to give them anything. Hopefully, that'll be there at some point. But I don't think it seemed to affect him. We'll see.”

Around the horn: Outfielder Joey Rickard gave the ball from his first major league hit to his father, John. Rickard's family is staying in Baltimore through the homestand. … Left-hander Brian Matusz (back) will pitch one inning today and Friday in Bowie before a possible activation Sunday. … Outfielder Jimmy Paredes (wrist) hit off a tee Wednesday in Sarasota. … Right-hander Hunter Harvey (groin) threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Wednesday in Sarasota and is scheduled for a simulated game Saturday. ... Disability advocate Bryce Weiler, who is blind, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor.

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Baltimore Sun reporter Eduardo A. Encina contributed to this article.