Brian Matusz has been informed by manager Buck Showalter that he has earned a spot in the Orioles' Opening Day bullpen. Matusz entered the spring hoping to earn a spot in the starting rotation, but was thoroughly out-pitched by Jake Arrieta. While he'll begin the season as the long-relief option in the bullpen, he won't hold much fantasy value unless an injury strikes and he's inserted into the rotation.

Brian Matusz surrendered five runs in four innings Sunday in a no-decision versus the Pirates. Andrew McCutchen homered off him. Matusz was probably doomed in the rotation competition as soon as Jake Arrieta had his strong outing Thursday. He should be an asset to the Orioles out of the pen, but he doesn't figure to have any fantasy value there.

Brian Matusz pitched five innings of one-run ball Tuesday in the Orioles' 8-7 defeat of the Red Sox. With a 2.40 ERA and a 13/3 K/BB ratio in 15 innings, Matusz is pitching well enough to win a rotation spot. However, he has a big handicap in that he's better suited to contribute out of the bullpen than the rest of Baltimore's fifth-starter candidates. We still think that's where he'll end up.

Brian Matusz was terrific Wednesday, striking out seven over four hitless innings against the Twins. Matusz allowed just one baserunner in the form of a Josh Willingham walk. The left-hander now holds a 2.70 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 11/2 K/BB ratio over his first 10 spring innings as he tries to convince the Orioles to give him another shot in the rotation. Of course, Matusz dazzled last spring and then was a disaster in the rotation before finding his groove in the bullpen. He's probably best suited as a reliever at this point.

Brian Matusz started and pitched two scoreless innings Monday in the Orioles' 5-1 defeat of the Yankees. While it may be a mistake to give up on Matusz as a starter, the Orioles would probably be better off keeping him in the pen given their bevy of rotation candidates. He impressed there last year, amassing a 1.35 ERA in 18 appearances. A decision on his role is still a few weeks away.

Orioles avoided arbitration with LHP Brian Matusz by agreeing to a one-year, $1.6 million contract. He can earn $100,000 more in incentives. Matusz, who was a first-time arbitration-eligible player, posted a 1.35 ERA with well over a strikeout per inning as a reliever in 2012 and will likely be used in the same role in 2013.

Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles are close to avoiding arbitration with Brian Matusz. The details of the deal aren't yet known. Matusz, who is in his first year of arbitration, will compete for a rotation spot in spring training but will likely wind up in the bullpen. He posted a 1.35 ERA with well over a strikeout per inning as a reliever in 2012.

Brian Matusz underwent surgery last month to repair a torn muscle in his abdomen. Matusz pitched with the injury for the final three months of the regular season. He should be fine by the start of spring training, and will enter camp with a shot at claiming a spot in the Orioles' starting rotation.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Brian Matusz will be used as a starter in spring training next season. It's possible he'll move back to the bullpen for the regular season, as Showatler is doing it mainly to build up Matusz's innings. While it's probably too early to give up on the left-hander as a starter, there's no denying that he's been a different pitcher in relief. He posted a 1.35 ERA with well over a strikeout per inning out of the bullpen this season and a 5.42 ERA and 1.71 WHIP in relief.

Brian Matusz had to go to the emergency room Tuesday's night after experiencing an allergic reaction. It's not clear what brought on the reaction, but the good news is that he's fine now and is available to pitch Wednesday if needed. Matusz has been terrific since returning to the O's late last month as a reliever, posting a 1.80 ERA and 14/1 K/BB ratio over 10 innings.