Updating Matusz, Gausman, Jones, Lohse and more

Updating Matusz, Gausman, Jones, Lohse and more
Left-hander Brian Matusz is expected to be activated from the disabled list on Saturday while the Orioles are in Kansas City. Matusz allowed one hit and struck out nine batters over four scoreless innings last night at Single-A Frederick. He's made five appearances on his minor league rehab assignment. "It felt good to be able to get extended to four innings," Matusz said today. "Threw all four pitches. It was a positive outing. "The strikeouts are great. But I think ultimately the key was...

Mike Wright finally gets a second chance

Mike Wright finally gets a second chance
The Orioles should be able to play tonight's game without any delays, without the sky opening and the tarp unrolling. The forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 70s during the day and dipping to 47 in the evening. No chance of precipitation. Rain doesn't return until Friday when the Orioles are in Kansas City. The Blue Jays arrive at Camden Yards with a 7-7 record that puts them 2 1/2 games behind the Orioles in the American League East. They're 3-3 at home and 4-4 on the road. The...

Tyler Wilson finishes strong in latest spring outing (plus more notes)

Tyler Wilson finishes strong in latest spring outing (plus more notes)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Tyler Wilson, making his third spring start today, retired the last seven batters he faced while trying to state his case for inclusion in the Orioles rotation. Wilson was pulled after only three innings. He allowed one run and two hits, walked none and struck out none. The former University of Virginia right-hander threw 43 pitches, 30 for strikes. Wilson retired the first two batters of the game on ground balls to first baseman Chris Davis, and Danny Ortiz made the final out...

Cardinals' Carpenter always seemed to have the Nationals' number

Cardinals' Carpenter always seemed to have the Nationals' number
With the news that right-hander Chris Carpenter is unlikely to pitch in 2013, one of the toughest pitchers in the majors the past 15 years might be close to retirement. Carpenter has pitched in 350 games with 332 starts, winning 144 games with a consistent .605 winning percentage. How consistent? According to Baseball Reference, Carpenter's winning percentage was exactly .605 for the first half (75-49) and the second half (69-45) of each season. Incredibly, he also had a better winning...