The Indians lost five straight games before arriving in Baltimore, but they took three of four in this series. Brian Matusz gave up five runs (four earned) and seven hits in four innings and was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. He hasn't been the same pitcher since holding the Rays to one run and two hits in 7 1/3 innings back on June 2. What happened? "The same thing that Miguel (Gonzalez) did really well, he hasn't been able to do, and that's command his fastball," said manager Buck...

After a lengthy postgame stop in the manager's office, Brian Matusz emerged today to talk about being sent back to the minor leagues. Was he surprised that he is being sent back to Triple-A? "No, not at all. My last five or six outings or so just haven't been getting the job done. Today was just really inconsistent. There were signs of good pitches, but just haven't been putting it together. You know, it's killing the bullpen and makes it tough. Moves have to be made. I have to go down...

The Orioles announced that they have optioned left-hander Brian Matusz to Triple-A Norfolk after today's game. Matusz is 5-10 with a 5.42 ERA in 16 starts this season after taking the loss in today's game (4.0IP, 7H, 5R/4ER, 3BB, 2K, 2HR). He is 0-5 with an 8.44 ERA (21.1IP, 20ER) in his last five starts.

The changes keep coming to the Orioles' 25-man roster, and to their rotation. Less than 24 hours after Tommy Hunter was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, the Orioles made the same move with left-hander Brian Matusz following today's 6-2 loss to the Indians at Camden Yards. Manager Buck Showalter confirmed the move after meeting with reporters. He called Matusz into his office to break the news. Matusz is 0-5 with an 8.44 ERA (21 1/3 innings pitched, 20 earned runs) in his last five...

After getting hammered in two mid-week games against the Angels, the Orioles were hoping to get back on track with a four-game series against Cleveland. The Tribe came to Camden Yards riding a five-game losing streak and a record of 11-19 over its previous 30 games. But another poor outing by another starter led to another loss today as the Tribe beat the Orioles 6-2. Cleveland scored 32 runs in the series in taking three of four. Today, Brian Matusz could not get an out in the fifth inning...

The Orioles recalled Miguel Gonzalez from Triple-A Norfolk yesterday - he was scratched about an hour before his scheduled start for the Tides - because they needed a long reliever for today's game against the Indians. He might be needed in the rotation later this week. Gonzalez must stay with the Orioles, no matter his role. He's tossed four shutout innings in relief of left-hander Brian Matusz, allowing two hits, walking two and striking out five. He's thrown 66 pitches, 12 fewer than...

All-in-all, allowing four runs in five-plus innings in the 100-degree Atlanta heat isn't the worst thing in the world. But when you consider that Gio Gonzalez led 6-1 starting the bottom of the sixth inning, it has to sting a bit that he left the game with just a two-run lead. After Davey Johnson played things very carefully with Stephen Strasburg in the hot conditions yesterday, it could certainly be argued that he went a bit too long with Gonzalez today. The Nationals lefty entered the...

It was a continuous debate, at least for the past month or so, whether Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper should/would make the All-Star team. So with the announcement of the rosters for the 83rd annual Midsummer Classic, I'm happy to report the debate has been settled - kind of. Harper wasn't selected by the fans or National League manager Tony LaRussa - that honor was reserved for Nationals pitchers Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez, along with infielder Ian Desmond. But Harper is among...

J.J. Hardy is the one Orioles player who has been on the same team with Jim Thome. They played together with Minnesota in 2010 and Hardy said Thome will bring a lot to the Orioles on the field and in the clubhouse. "You guys will all see. He's probably one of the best guys to ever play the game personality-wise. A leader, just a great guy," Hardy said. Hardy said Thome called him yesterday to ask about his new team. "We're pretty close," Hardy said. "I know he's excited and so am I....

Anyone who's watched the Orioles this season knows the impact that right-hander Jason Hammel has had on the team's turnaround. Now, Hammel's chances of joining three teammates - Adam Jones, Jim Johnson and Matt Wieters - in Kansas City for the July 10 All-Star Game are in the fans' hands. Hammel is one of five finalists for the Final Vote, a fan-centric competition that will name the final member of the American League squad. From now through Thursday at 4 p.m., fans can cast an online...