masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgI thought the Orioles would push Brian Matusz a little farther today after he threw 83 pitches in his final injury rehab start at Triple-A Norfolk.

Matusz was removed today after 84 pitches, including 52 strikes. He held the Mariners to one run and four hits, with no walks and three strikeouts.

Matusz would have completed six innings, except first baseman Nick Markakis – it still feels weird typing that position for him – couldn’t pull down third baseman Mark Reynolds’ high throw with two…I thought the Orioles would push Brian Matusz a little farther today after he threw 83 pitches in his final injury rehab start at Triple-A Norfolk.

Matusz was removed today after 84 pitches, including 52 strikes. He held the Mariners to one run and four hits, with no walks and three strikeouts.

Matusz would have completed six innings, except first baseman Nick Markakis – it still feels weird typing that position for him – couldn’t pull down third baseman Mark Reynolds’ high throw with two outs. Reynolds was charged with the error, his 10th this season.

Jim Johnson replaced Matusz and recorded the final out on one pitch. This is pretty early for Johnson to come into a game, but manager Buck Showalter isn’t messing around after five straight losses.

Update: Adam Jones isn’t messing around, either.

Jones homered into the second deck in the eighth inning to give the Orioles a 2-1 lead. It’s the first homer allowed by Seattle reliever Jamey Wright this season.

Earlier today, Jones made a sensational, over-the-shoulder leaping catch at the fence in center field. His imprint remains in the padding. And he would have thrown out Miguel Olivo at the plate if Matt Wieters had backhanded the ball.

Just a routine day against his former team. Jones is 11-for-20 with six RBIs against the Mariners.