Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Today, the Baltimore Orioles squared off against AL East rival the Boston Red Sox. The Orioles won the game by a score of 11-5, with Baltimore rallying from behind off the bats of Ozzie Martinez and Nolan Reimold who each recorded two RBIs in the comeback. However, the real highlight of the game was Brian Matusz.
The left-handed reliever started his second Grapefruit League game of the spring. Matusz has been pitching really well as of late. In his first spot start, Matusz pitched three scoreless, allowing just two hits while striking out three and walking none.
He pitched so well that manager Buck Showalter gave him another start today against the Sox.
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Matusz–yet again– pitched well. He pitched four scoreless innings to open up the game, giving up two hits, no walks and striking out two batters.
With the solid start today, his ERA for the spring is now down to an unbelievable 0.87 in 10 1/3 innings pitched.
Matusz had a good 2014 season. He posted a 3.48 ERA with a 2-3 overall record in 51 2/3 innings of relief. However, with former Oriole and left-handed reliever Andrew Miller leaving to play for the Yankees in New York, the Orioles need Matusz to be that shutdown left-hander coming out of the bullpen this upcoming season.
And, if he keeps up having great outings like today, then he will do just that. However, watch out because Matusz was a starter earlier in his playing career with the Orioles. If he shows he can pitch 6-7 strong innings, then do not put it past Showalter to revisit the possibility of Matusz going back to his roots as a starter.