NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Brian Matusz pitched his way into Baltimore’s rotation this spring and made his final pitch with a strong outing in an exhibition against the Orioles’ top farm team in Norfolk on Wednesday afternoon.
The 25-year-old lefthander pitched four shutout innings, allowing three hits. He struck out five and walked one in the Orioles’ 6-4 loss to the Norfolk Tides.
After the game, manager Buck Showalter announced that Matusz would start the fourth game of the season for the Orioles, following Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel and Tommy Hunter. Wei-Yin Chen will be the fifth starter.
Matusz went 1-9 with a 10.69 ERA in an injury plagued 2011. He has 22 strikeouts and three walks in 24 2-3 innings this spring. Showalter announced that lefty Zach Phillips would be assigned to Norfolk.
