Orioles' Tillman won't negotiate extension once season starts

Chris Tillman doesn't want any distractions off the field once the regular season begins.

The Baltimore Orioles right-hander told reporters Thursday he's not interested in negotiating a contract extension with the club after Opening Day.

O's brass and Tillman's representation have begun extension talks, but there's no rush to get a deal done, as the 26-year-old is under team control until after the 2017 campaign. Tillman will earn $4.315 million for his services this season.

Tillman was the team's Opening Day starter last year and will likely get the nod again this time around. He went 13-6 with a 3.34 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 34 starts in 2014.