Orioles recalled LHP Brian Matusz from Triple-A Norfolk. Sent to Triple-A Norfolk's bullpen on August 14, it appears Matusz will pitch out of the 'pen for the Orioles. He's returning to a rough 5.42 ERA and 1.71 WHIP, but was slightly better in the minors, turning in a 4.21 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 47 innings. Lefties are .223/.281/.384 lifetime against Matusz, so the O's are clearly hoping he'll prove valuable as a "LOOGY" down the stretch.

Orioles GM Dan Duquette said Wednesday that he still views Brian Matusz as a starter long term. Matusz was recently shifted to the bullpen at Triple-A Norfolk, but his role could change by the end of this season depending on how he fares in relief. The O's do like his splits against left-handed batters and could bring him back up as a lefty specialist for the stretch run if things are going well down on the farm.

Brian Matusz didn't make his scheduled start for Triple-A Norfolk Sunday due to hip flexor tightness. The good news is that he was able to complete a bullpen session Tuesday without any issues and is all set to start Friday. Matusz has posted a 3.75 ERA and 18/7 K/BB ratio over 36 innings for Norfolk since his demotion.

Brian Matusz is not a candidate to start Wednesday in place of the injured Jason Hammel (knee). Matusz spun a shutout in his first start for Triple-A Norfolk, and the O's have decided they want him to continue to work on things before being called back up. Tommy Hunter is likely to get the call Wednesday.

The Orioles are expected to recall Brian Matusz if Jason Hammel is unable to make his next scheduled start. Hammel underwent an MRI on his right knee Saturday, and there's concern he'll be placed on the disabled list. Matusz, who was demoted earlier this month, pitched a complete game shutout in his lone appearance at Triple-A Norfolk.

Brian Matusz pitched a complete game shutout Friday in his first appearance at Triple-A Norfolk. He allowed four hits (one walk) and struck out four, throwing 81 of his 114 pitches for strikes. Matusz was demoted earlier this week after posting a 6.20 ERA across 24 2/3 June innings, but should return to Baltimore's rotation once he sorts though his issues in the minors.

Orioles optioned LHP Brian Matusz to Triple-A Norfolk. Matusz was shipped out immediately after coughing up five runs -- four earned -- on seven hits and three walks in just four innings against the Indians. This after he was scorched for a 6.20 ERA across 24 2/3 June innings. In all, the youngster has posted an 8.44 ERA over his past five games. That wasn't going to cut it, especially after Baltimore endured all of his struggles last season. He should be back up later this summer after sorting through his issues on the farm.

Brian Matusz struggled again in Sunday's loss to the Indians, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks in just four innings. Matusz struck out two and served up home runs to Shelley Duncan and Aaron Cunningham. Not exactly a formidable duo. The rough day comes after Matusz was rocked for a 6.20 ERA across 24 2/3 June innings. Once again firmly off the radar in mixed leagues, Matusz might eventually be sent to the minor leagues to find some answers.

Brian Matusz was shaky in Wednesday's loss to the Mets, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings of work. Matusz threw 93 pitches as he fell to 5-8. He struck out two. Matusz has now failed to escape the fifth inning in two of his past three starts, though tonight was the first time in four outings he issued fewer than three walks. Matusz isn't struggling to near the degree he did in 2011, but it's hard to sugarcoat his 5.00 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 59/35 K/BB ratio through 75 2/3 innings. He'll get the Angels at home next Wednesday.

Brian Matusz (nose) has been scratched from Wednesday's scheduled start against the Pirates. Matusz was struck in the face while doing a bunting drill prior to Tuesday's game, but he managed to walk away with just a contusion. Still, the Orioles are playing things safe. Jake Arrieta will make the start Wednesday while Matusz is expected to start Friday's series opener against the Braves.