masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWASHINGTON – A fairly promising start for Brian Matusz, at least statistically, has ended prematurely when he walked off the field with head athletic trainer Richie Bancells in the bottom of the sixth.

The game was tied 1-1 heading into the inning. Ryan Zimmerman doubled with one out and Michael Morse hit an opposite-field two-run homer to give Washington a 3-1 lead.

Danny Espinosa singled and stole second base as left-hander Clay Rapada began to warm up. With a 3-1 count on Jerry Hairston…WASHINGTON – A fairly promising start for Brian Matusz, at least statistically, has ended prematurely when he walked off the field with head athletic trainer Richie Bancells in the bottom of the sixth.

The game was tied 1-1 heading into the inning. Ryan Zimmerman doubled with one out and Michael Morse hit an opposite-field two-run homer to give Washington a 3-1 lead.

Danny Espinosa singled and stole second base as left-hander Clay Rapada began to warm up. With a 3-1 count on Jerry Hairston Jr., Orioles first baseman Derrek Lee walked to the mound, spoke briefly with Matusz and signaled to the dugout by waving his glove.

Bancells and manager Buck Showalter rushed to the mound, and Rapada entered the game. Matusz was limping and needed help getting down the dugout steps.

Matusz was making his fourth start since coming off the disabled list. He’s charged with four runs and six hits, with three walks and five strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. He threw 90 pitches, 52 for strikes.

The last run scored after Matusz left the game.

I’ll pass along an update when it becomes available.

Update: And here it is. Matusz was removed from the game with cramping in his left hamstring. He joins Luke Scott on the day-to-day list.