Brian Matusz
SP FA
Tue 3/22/16 12:39 PM

Matusz (back) may begin his season on the disabled list, CSN's Rich Dubroff reports.
EDGE Analysis
Matusz returned to Grapefruit League action Sunday, but he apparently needed a cortisone shot after tossing a scoreless inning. Any absence would help T.J. McFarland's roster chances, as the Orioles don't have any proven lefty relievers besides Matusz.

Brian Matusz
SP FA
Tue 3/22/16 9:45 AM

Matusz (back) returned to game action and threw a scoreless inning Sunday against the Rays.
EDGE Analysis
Matusz eased his way back into his relief role by pitching in the ninth inning after most Rays regulars had left the game. It seems like Matusz is in the clear to be ready for Opening Day.

Brian Matusz
SP FA
Thu 3/17/16 2:41 PM

Matusz (back) threw a bullpen at full intensity Wednesday and could return to game action Saturday, MASN's Roch Kubatko reports.
EDGE Analysis
Matusz has been ramping up his activity this week, logging a pair of bullpen sessions and working up to "game effort" in his session Wednesday. Provided that his back continues to hold up to the increased workload, Matusz should be back on the mound in an exhibition game over the weekend.

Brian Matusz
SP FA
Wed 3/16/16 10:23 AM

Matusz (back) should throw another bullpen session Wednesday or Thursday, MASN Sports reports.
EDGE Analysis
In theory, Matusz could appear in a game as early as next week. The Orioles are waiting on his next bullpen session to provide a timetable for his return. Matusz has thrown in just one Grapefruit League game so far this spring.

Brian Matusz
SP FA
Mon 3/14/16 1:50 PM

Matusz (back) threw a bullpen session Monday, MASN Sports reports.
EDGE Analysis
The bullpen session is a good sign for Matusz, who has been shelved since his first spring appearance at the beginning of the month. Matusz could get in a game by the end of the week.

Brian Matusz
SP FA
Tue 3/8/16 10:12 AM

Matusz (back) threw Monday for the second day in a row and is still pain free, MASN Sports reports.
EDGE Analysis
Matusz should progress to a bullpen session or batting practice session first before returning to game action. He figures to be about a week away from returning to Grapefruit League game action.

Brian Matusz
SP FA
Mon 3/7/16 12:18 PM

Matusz (back) played catch Sunday and did not suffer a setback, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.
EDGE Analysis
Matusz may not appear in a spring game for another week or so, but manager Buck Showalter believes Matusz has "turned a corner" in his recovery. While Matsuz is moving in the right direction, it remains to be seen if he will be ready to go for Opening Day.

Brian Matusz
SP FA
Sat 3/5/16 3:03 PM

Matusz (back) will miss the next one-to-two weeks, Roch Kubatko of MASN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Matusz underwent an MRI on Friday after feeling discomfort in his back earlier in the week. The MRI revealed three bruised ribs and a lower back strain, so the Orioles will put Matusz on the shelf for at least a week before letting him take the mound again.

Brian Matusz
SP FA
Fri 3/4/16 1:00 PM

Matusz has a strained muscle in his lower back, an injury significant enough that he would miss time if this were the regular season, Roch Kubatko of MASN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Matusz will have to sit out for a few weeks before returning to camp, so him being ready for Opening Day is now in doubt. Any time missed for the 29-year-old would lead to more appearances for guys like Mychal Givens, along with a better shot for T.J. McFarland to make the bullpen as a situational left-hander.

Brian Matusz
SP FA
Thu 3/3/16 12:13 PM

Matusz is set to undergo an MRI on his back Thursday, MASN's Roch Kubatko reports.
EDGE Analysis
Matusz reportedly felt a twinge in his back during his outing Wednesday and will undergo an MRI on Thursday to find a potential root cause for the issue. The lefty reliever will likely sit out at least for Thursday's game against Tampa Bay while the results of his MRI are processed. He has only had one stint on the disabled list in his career, which was due to a back issue back in 2011.