Matusz trying to extend quality start streak

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

May 27, 2012, 6:32am

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Left-hander Brian Matusz has registered quality starts in his last two outings, and he'll go for three in a row this afternoon against the Royals. Matusz has allowed four runs and nine hits in his last 12 1/3 innings, with two walks and 11 strikeouts. He's permitted six earned runs in his last three starts and 18 innings. It's imperative that Matusz, who's 4-1 in May, continues to pitch effectively with left-hander Zach Britton perhaps coming off the disabled list after one more minor league rehab start. Tommy Hunter and Jake Arrieta also have options, and one of them could be peeled off the 25-man roster if the Orioles choose to insert Britton into the rotation rather than send him to Triple-A Norfolk. Matusz held the Royals to three runs over six innings in Kansas City on May 17. Here's the Kansas City lineup: Alex Gordon LF Johnny Giavotella 2B Billy Butler DH Mike Moustakas 3B Jeff Francoeur RF Eric Hosmer 1B Alcides Escobar SS Mitch Maier CF Humberto Quintero C Luke Hochevar RHP