ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The news on Brian Matusz is unfortunate, to say the least, but we shouldn't focus entirely on the negative after a 4-1 win over the Rays. Jeremy Guthrie was superb, blanking the Rays on three hits over eight innings. No way he was coming out for the ninth with his pitch count at 94. "We were able to throw a lot of secondary pitches in good spots for strikes," Guthrie said. "I always work on those pitches as much as I can. Both the curveball and changeup are pitches...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - I'd point out that Brian Matusz is snakebit, but that's about the only bad thing that hasn't happened to him in Florida. Matusz said he began noticing some discomfort in his back last week, and it grew progressively worse until he couldn't throw this afternoon. "It really did sneak up on me," he said after tonight's 4-1 victory over the Rays. "About four or five days ago, I was feeling some soreness in my lat area. Typical soreness, just like I'd feel after any...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Brian Matusz has been diagnosed with a strained intercostal muscle, which will force him on the disabled list and bring Zach Britton to the majors. Manager Buck Showalter confirmed that Britton, who dazzled in spring training, will make Sunday's start. And president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail estimated that Matusz could miss anywhere from three to six weeks. Buck Showalter announces Zach Britton will pitch Sunday against Tampa Bay "With the duration that we...

What a performance by Jeremy Guthrie. After going 8-4 with an ERA of 2.76 after the All-Star break last year, Guthrie opened the 2011 season with eight brilliant, shutout innings tonight in a 4-1 win over Tampa. Ben Zobrist homered off Jim Johnson leading off the last of the ninth to get Tampa's only run. Guthrie gave up just three hits with one walk and six strikeouts. Tampa batters went just 3-for-26 against him. Johnny Damon, Evan Longoria and Manny Ramirez were a combined 0-for-9 vs....

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - It's official: Chris Tillman will start tomorrow night's game against the Rays. Tillman was scheduled to start on Sunday, but he's needed tomorrow after Brian Matusz was scratched. Matusz underwent an MRI this afternoon on his sore back, and we're still waiting for the results. No word on Sunday's starter. Mark it down as TBA. It's possible that Brad Bergesen gets the call after throwing two innings in Wednesday's simulated game. Update: Jeremy Guthrie is...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Don't ask about the missing "s." Jeremy Guthrie said he was ready for the regular season after allowing four runs and 12 hits in five innings against the Blue Jays in Dunedin. You could be forgiven for doubting him. Now you owe him an apology. Guthrie has held the Rays to two hits over six innings - a double by Dan Johnson in the second and a single by Ben Zobrist in the sixth. Guthrie hasn't walked a batter and he's struck out six. He's thrown 71 pitches, 52...

Here is a quick thought on Zach Britton. If the Orioles were not going to have him on the opening day roster, and they did not, they should not call him now if they need another starter due to Brian Matusz's back injury. In terms of Britton, that should just not change anything. I think the O's should stick to Plan A and call him up later. If needed, they can find someone to add to the rotation and there are only four dates in April when they need a fifth starter anyway. Let Britton get...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - J.J. Hardy is the first Oriole to cross the plate this season, scampering home on Nick Markakis' two-out single in the third inning to break a scoreless tie. Hardy doubled with one out off Rays starter David Price, and took third base on the left-hander's errant pickoff throw. The ball actually went through Hardy's legs. Brian Roberts struck out, but Markakis lined a single into left-center field. Hardy batted .351 in spring training. He's looking pretty good at...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Brian Matusz dominated the news today, but in case you were wondering, manager Buck Showalter didn't have any updates on Justin Duchscherer, who saw a chiropractor on Wednesday because of back discomfort. Maybe it's contagious. "I know Richie (Bancells) and them were getting their arms around a plan of attack, so to speak," Showalter said. "Nothing really new, but I may have something afterward." Showalter and his training staff were too busy trying to schedule...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - This is no way to start a new season. Brian Matusz left the ballpark to undergo an MRI on his back after experiencing pain while trying to throw. He's a candidate to join Justin Duchscherer on the disabled list and create a possible ripple effect in the rotation. No. 3 starter Chris Tillman could be bumped up a day and start tomorrow night, or the Orioles could bring up a pitcher from their minor league camp. Manager Buck Showalter indicated that the pain is to the...