Orioles optioned LHP Brian Matusz to Triple-A Norfolk.
Matusz was torched for eight earned runs in just 3 1/3 innings Thursday against the Cardinals and will head to the minor leagues having surrendered 25 earned runs in 25 1/3 total major league frames this season. The velocity of his fastball has dipped nearly 4 mph since his strong finish in 2010 and his breaking stuff isn't breaking like it used to. There's clearly something wrong.
Matusz was supposed to be the bright spot in the Orioles rotation but has been the complete opposite. He's 24 and hopefully nothing is wrong with his arm. For the O's sake, maybe they should take it easy with him down in AAA.