masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgInterim manager Juan Samuel told reporters after today’s game that he’s not thinking about optioning left-hander Brian Matusz to the minors.

“Not at this point. Not in my mind,” he said.

Reminded that the Orioles demoted Brad Bergesen and Chris Tillman this season, Samuel replied, “We’re not thinking about that right now.”

He clearly wanted to change the subject.

Samuel had an extended chat with Matusz in the second inning before taking the ball from him.

“I basically asked him if…Interim manager Juan Samuel told reporters after today’s game that he’s not thinking about optioning left-hander Brian Matusz to the minors.

“Not at this point. Not in my mind,” he said.

Reminded that the Orioles demoted Brad Bergesen and Chris Tillman this season, Samuel replied, “We’re not thinking about that right now.”

He clearly wanted to change the subject.

Samuel had an extended chat with Matusz in the second inning before taking the ball from him.

“I basically asked him if he was uncomfortable on mound, and he said he felt like he was yanking the ball, pulling the ball too much,” Samuel said.

Matusz has allowed 10 runs and 11 hits in his last two starts covering 4 2/3 innings since blanking the Red Sox on two hits over seven innings on July 4. He’ll watch video with pitching coach Rick Kranitz and try to get untracked.

The Orioles were 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base.