Brian Matusz pitched a complete game shutout Friday in his first appearance at Triple-A Norfolk.

He allowed four hits (one walk) and struck out four, throwing 81 of his 114 pitches for strikes. Matusz was demoted earlier this week after posting a 6.20 ERA across 24 2/3 June innings, but should return to Baltimore's rotation once he sorts though his issues in the minors.

Orioles optioned LHP Brian Matusz to Triple-A Norfolk.

Matusz was shipped out immediately after coughing up five runs -- four earned -- on seven hits and three walks in just four innings against the Indians. This after he was scorched for a 6.20 ERA across 24 2/3 June innings. In all, the youngster has posted an 8.44 ERA over his past five games. That wasn't going to cut it, especially after Baltimore endured all of his struggles last season. He should be back up later this summer after sorting through his issues on the farm.

Brian Matusz struggled again in Sunday's loss to the Indians, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks in just four innings.

Matusz struck out two and served up home runs to Shelley Duncan and Aaron Cunningham. Not exactly a formidable duo. The rough day comes after Matusz was rocked for a 6.20 ERA across 24 2/3 June innings. Once again firmly off the radar in mixed leagues, Matusz might eventually be sent to the minor leagues to find some answers.

Brian Matusz was shaky in Wednesday's loss to the Mets, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings of work.

Matusz threw 93 pitches as he fell to 5-8. He struck out two. Matusz has now failed to escape the fifth inning in two of his past three starts, though tonight was the first time in four outings he issued fewer than three walks. Matusz isn't struggling to near the degree he did in 2011, but it's hard to sugarcoat his 5.00 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 59/35 K/BB ratio through 75 2/3 innings. He'll get the Angels at home next Wednesday.

Brian Matusz (nose) has been scratched from Wednesday's scheduled start against the Pirates.

Matusz was struck in the face while doing a bunting drill prior to Tuesday's game, but he managed to walk away with just a contusion. Still, the Orioles are playing things safe. Jake Arrieta will make the start Wednesday while Matusz is expected to start Friday's series opener against the Braves.

X-rays on Brian Matusz's nose have come back negative, and he's expected to make his scheduled start Wednesday.

Good to hear. Matusz was struck in the face while doing a bunting drill prior to Tuesday's game, but he merely has a contusion. He'll face the Pirates on Wednesday.

Brian Matusz was struck in the nose while doing a bunting drill and is questionable for Wednesday's start.

Brian Matusz stopped the Orioles losing streak in dominating fashion on Saturday, limiting the Rays to just one run on two hits over 7 1/3 innings.

Matusz struck out seven and walked three in the masterful performance. For those who haven't been paying attention, Matusz is now 4-1 with a 2.87 ERA and 28/9 strikeout to walk ratio in 31 1/3 innings over his last five starts. If he remains available in your league, now would be the time to pounce. He'll look to continue his string of strong outings when he takes on the Phillies at home on Friday.

Brian Matusz allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks in six innings of Sunday's loss to the Royals.

Hardly dominating, but good enough for Matusz's third straight quality start, while he's now allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his past four outings. It's a welcome streak of respectability after Matusz saw his ERA rise as high as 5.91 on May 1. The former top prospect appears to be getting his career back in order following his historically awful 2011. He'll get the Rays in Tampa on Friday.

Brian Matusz surrendered three runs in six innings Thursday in a victory over the Royals.

Matusz showed very good velocity today, yet he still ended up with just two strikeouts and seven hits allowed against a weak Kansas City lineup. While he's been better lately, he's still not doing much to suggest he'll be a big-time fantasy pitcher anytime soon.

Brian Matusz was pummeled for seven runs on 10 hits and two walks over five innings Monday in a loss to the Rangers.

He needed 103 pitches to get through the five frames. It's a disappointing outing for Matusz, who had put together two straight quality outings. Given the opponent, we're not ready to give up on him, but it's clear he's not going to be a steady fantasy asset. He'll try for better results this weekend against the Rays.

Brian Matusz, building on his strong outing from last week, pitched brilliantly in New York on Tuesday, giving up just one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Matusz again showed much improved control only walking one in the game, while fanning four. The lone blemish on his night was a solo homer that he surrendered to Curtis Granderson in the first inning. His ERA is still a bit inflated at 4.67, but he has looked much improved in each of his last two outings. He's worth a flier if available on waivers before his next outing against the Rangers on Monday.

Brian Matusz turned in his strongest outing of the season on Thursday, limiting the Orioles to just two runs (none earned) on four hits in over his six innings of work.

Matusz struck out three and walked two in the game. He had struggled mightily through his first three starts, but looked much improved and much more confidant in this outing. He'll look to carry over the momentum from this strong outing when he takes on the Yankees next week.

Brian Matusz surrendered six runs -- four earned -- and nine hits in five-plus innings Friday in a loss to the Angels.

It looked like Matusz was in for a somewhat better night until he gave up a walk, an infield single and another walk to start the sixth. Darren O'Day came in and immediately allowed a two-run double, with the third runner scoring on an error. Matusz walked just one over the first five innings and he did manage six strikeouts. Still, he hasn't come close to putting it all together yet, and he's probably one more poor start away from getting sent to Triple-A.

Brian Matusz labored in Sunday's loss to the Blue Jays, allowing five runs on seven hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings.

Matusz simply couldn't locate, and served up a pair of home runs in the process. Coming off an encouraging spring, he's now the owner of an abysmal 8.38 ERA, 2.17 WHIP and 5/8 K/BB ratio through his first 9 2/3 innings. That, coupled with his nightmarish 2011 makes it difficult to believe there isn't something direly wrong with the former top prospect. If he gets another start, which he most likely will, it will come next weekend in Anaheim.

Brian Matusz was lit up by the Yankees Monday, surrendering four runs on six hits and four walks over just four innings.

He struck out only one, needing 96 pitches to cover the four frames. It's a discouraging first outing of the season after Matusz's showing this spring offered so much promise. Remember it was against the Yankees, though, so don't give up on him just yet. He'll try for better results this weekend in Toronto.

Brian Matusz surrendered three runs in five innings Friday against the Tigers.

Matusz bounced back from a bad first to hold the Tigers scoreless over the next four innings, and he ended the day with four strikeouts and just one walk. His rotation spot appears secure.

Brian Matusz outpitched Justin Verlander Thursday, striking out six in four scoreless innings against Detroit.

Matusz allowed just a pair of singles and walked none in the stellar outing. Since a rough debut, he's pitched eight scoreless innings and struck out 10, putting himself right into the mix for a spot in Baltimore's rotation. The plan had been to give him some Triple-A time, but the 25-year-old left-hander has as much upside as any Orioles pitcher.

Brian Matusz gave up three runs on six hits over two innings in his spring debut Monday against the Pirates.

He wasn't as bad as the line indicated. Matusz was consistently clocked in the high 80s-low 90s and struck out three batters while walking none. He also didn't allow any fly balls. The young southpaw had an obscene 10.69 ERA over 12 major league starts last season, but he'll have a much better chance of success this season if he can maintain his velocity. The O's have plenty of pitching options, so Matusz could begin the season in the minors.

Brian Matusz had another dismal outing Sunday, giving up six runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings in a loss to the Tigers.

He struck out five and served up a pair of home runs. The young left-hander is surely happy to see his season come to an end, as he fell to 1-9 while actually seeing his ERA drop to 10.69 and WHIP to 2.11. Matusz has plenty of ability, so we're not giving up on him yet, but you'd be taking a leap of faith by spending a draft pick on him next season.