Orioles Rumors: Baltimore Targeting Established Starter?

One rival executive wonders if the Baltimore Orioles will try to improve their starting rotation by packaging left-hander Brian Matusz in a deal for a more established pitcher, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

After the Orioles made him the fourth overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, Matusz flew through Baltimore’s system. Matusz made his major league debut during his first season of professional baseball, going 5-2 with a 4.63 ERA and 1.478 WHIP for the Orioles in 2009.

Matusz was solid in his first full season with the O’s, maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 4.30 and 1.343 over his 32 starts spanning 175 2/3 innings. 2011 was a different story, as the southpaw struggled to a whopping 10.69 ERA over his 12 starts.

So far this season Matusz has posted an ERA and WHIP of 4.82 and 1.546.

Rosenthal adds that the Orioles will likely look to in-house options before pursuing such a deal involving Matusz. Zach Britton is currently on rehab assignment for the Orioles, while Miguel Gonzalez, Chris Tillman and Jamie Moyer are all options at Triple-A.