masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles left-hander Brian Matusz will head to Triple-A Norfolk and start Friday night’s game against Columbus.

Matusz’s rehab assignment began at Single-A Frederick and continued at Double-A Bowie. He’ll be working on an extra days’ rest on Friday.

Matusz could be activated on June 1 and make his 2011 debut in Seattle in the final game of the Orioles’ two-city West Coast trip. It depends how he fares on Friday, when he’s extended to six or seven innings and 90 pitches. The other option…Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz will head to Triple-A Norfolk and start Friday night’s game against Columbus.

Matusz’s rehab assignment began at Single-A Frederick and continued at Double-A Bowie. He’ll be working on an extra days’ rest on Friday.

Matusz could be activated on June 1 and make his 2011 debut in Seattle in the final game of the Orioles’ two-city West Coast trip. It depends how he fares on Friday, when he’s extended to six or seven innings and 90 pitches. The other option is giving him a fourth rehab start.

First baseman Derrek Lee will fly to Sarasota tomorrow to rehab his strained left oblique. He’s eligible to come off the disabled list on June 1, but he’ll need to get some at-bats at extended spring training or with an affiliate.

The Orioles will fly Matusz and Lee to Seattle if they’re deemed ready. The distance won’t factor into the decision.

Brad Bergesen is being skipped in this series, but he’ll start Saturday night in Oakland. He’s available in the bullpen tonight and possibly tomorrow.

Team officials are waiting for an update on second baseman Brian Roberts, who is being examined today by a concussion specialist in Pittsburgh.

For the Royals:
Gordon LF
Cabrera CF
Hosmer 1B
Francoeur RF
Butler DH
Betemit 3B
Aviles 2B
Pena C
Escobar SS

Duffy LHP