masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgJust when it appeared that Brian Matusz had thrown his last pitch in 2011, he’s back on the hill for one more start.

There’s no way for Matusz to salvage this season, but manager Buck Showalter wants him to go out on a high note.

Showalter appreciates how Matusz has worked overtime to achieve better results, even if they haven’t come to him.

Matusz is 1-8 with a 10.68 ERA and a 2.13 WHIP in 11 starts. He’s totaled three innings in his last two appearances, allowing 11 runs and 11 hits,…Just when it appeared that Brian Matusz had thrown his last pitch in 2011, he’s back on the hill for one more start.

There’s no way for Matusz to salvage this season, but manager Buck Showalter wants him to go out on a high note.

Showalter appreciates how Matusz has worked overtime to achieve better results, even if they haven’t come to him.

Matusz is 1-8 with a 10.68 ERA and a 2.13 WHIP in 11 starts. He’s totaled three innings in his last two appearances, allowing 11 runs and 11 hits, walking four and serving up two home runs.

Matusz has surrendered six earned runs or more in five of his last seven starts, and five or more in all seven of them. His ERA is the worst in major league history for any pitcher with at least 10 starts.

The good news is Matusz has posted a 1.64 ERA In two career starts against the Tigers, both resulting in wins. He’s allowed two runs and eight hits in 11 innings, with five walks and 14 strikeouts. The Tigers are batting .190 against him.

Victor Martinez is 5-for-11 with a double and home run against him. Delmon Young is 4-for-6 with a home run.

It would be nice to see Matusz walk off the mound at Comerica Park with a smile on his face.

It would be even nicer to have him dominate hitters in spring training, avoid injury and look more like the pitcher we saw over the last few months of the 2010 season.

NOTES: According to Elias, Mark Reynolds is the third player to hit 37 or more home runs in his first season with the Orioles, joining Frank Robinson (49) in 1966 and Albert Belle (37) in 1999.

Former Oriole Erik Bedard will start for the Red Sox Tuesday night at Camden Yards. Josh Beckett takes the ball on Monday. Boston’s starter for Wednesday is listed as TBA.