With Jason Hammel on the shelf until September, the Orioles are looking for all the help they can get in the rotation. Tonight, they’ll call upon Chris Tillman to make his second big league start this season against another easy lineup.
Tillman earned the win against the Mariners on July 4 when he threw 8 1/3 innings allowing just two hits and no earned runs. He’ll attempt to put the O’s back on track against the Twins in Minnesota tonight.
Down at Triple-A Norfolk, another starter who will likely get a crack at the rotation later this week was hit around early. Brian Matusz surrendered a grand slam in the first inning to Cody Overbeck of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The O’s lefty pitched 7 innings, surrendering five hits and four runs. He struggled with his command, walking four and striking out two.
Much of Matusz’s issues during his career have had to do with “want.” He’s shown that he has the stuff to be a consistent big league starter, but his work ethic has often been questioned.
Tommy Hunter recorded similar numbers in his last start against the IronPigs. Hunter threw 7 1/3 innings, giving up 7 hits, 4 earned runs, a walk and seven strikeouts on Friday. He could be ready to pitch for the O’s in game three on Wednesday.
I guess the good on Matusz is that he recovered after surrendering the slam, but that’s stretching it. the time is now for these guys, there is an opportunity smacking them in the face and if they don’t put up, this org is going to dump’em.
Is anyone really surprised,,,,,,,when was the last time the O’s developed their own pitcher to number one or two status ? …………..