Spring Training top priority of Baltimore Orioles’ Brian Matusz - MLB News
Baltimore Orioles’ Brian Matusz is expected to be up and running when it is time for Spring Training. The left-handed pitcher had surgery for his rectus abdominis tear. The 25-year-old pitched for the last three months while carrying the injury. He is the
second Orioles’ player to have a sports hernia surgery in 2012 after Lew Ford, who is now a free agent.
The 2012 season did not start too well for Brian. Making 16 starts, he had a 5-10 losing record and posted a high 5.42 ERA. However, he found his calling in the bullpen, allowing just two earned runs in over 13 innings, with a more then acceptable 1.35 ERA.
He was a part of bullpen for 18 games in 2012 regular season.
The 6ft 5in player also performed duties in the post-season with a 1.93 ERA, striking-out six batters in just over four innings that he pitched. He posted a lower ERA of 4.87 in 2012, comparing with his career average of 5.36.
During the earlier part of his career, the pitcher had represented Single-A Frederick Keys, Double-A Bowie Bay Sox and then later on, the Triple-A Norfolk Tides in 2011. He made his Major League debut against the Detroit Tigers in August 2009.
The pitcher from Grand Junction, Colorado is expected to make a return as a relief pitcher for the Orioles next year but will be a starting pitcher in Spring Training; just to give an idea to the team management of what exactly they want from him in the
coming season.
Orioles’ manager Buck Showalter was pleased with the way things went for the youngster in the 2012 season. "It was something we were all aware of, but the trainers thought we could wait," manager said of the surgery, which took place in Pennsylvania after
the season ended. "He was pitching pretty good with whatever he had, so he will be fine."
The pitcher himself was confident that he will be fully fit soon. He also said that the injury did not bother him in pitching though he was not able to make quick sprints. "It didn't get worse; it actually stayed the same," Matusz said. "[I'm] doing rehab-type
work right now. ... Within the next couple weeks, I plan on starting to lift heavy weights again. It's healing pretty quick."
Baltimore Orioles had several injuries during the course of their successful 2012 campaign. They have managed to replace injured players quite well but it is always good to have tried and tested individuals in the line-up, particularly in tough times.
Brian Matusz has been with the O’s during four seasons now and they will really like the improvement the pitcher has shown during the later part of the season. The team will welcome a fully fit Brian who can prove to be an important part of club’s future
success.
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