SARASOTA, FLA. — Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz has heard all the rumors saying that his days in an Orioles uniform might be numbered. The club showcased Matusz as a starter, allowing him to get stretched out in a pair of Grapefruit League starts earlier this month.
As Sunday's deadline to finalize the club's 25-man roster approaches, it's becoming more clear that the Orioles will have to maneuver a trade to keep all the pitching they want to keep heading into Opening Day.
And Matusz, a former No. 4 overall pick and former starter who has pitched out of the bullpen since August of 2012, still appears to be the most likely to be dealt because he could draw the most in a deal.
"Absolutely, I think that's still a possibility, for all of us," Matusz said. "Anybody here could be traded at any minute. I feel like those things always happen when you least expect it. For me, I'm controlling what I can control and that's be ready to pitch and start the year with the Orioles in the bullpen and help this team win ballgames."
Matusz said he's well aware he's been a subject of trade rumors throughout the spring.
"Guys talk ... and read things and what not, but for me, the only thing I can control is my preparation and what goes on on the field," he said. "Everything else is completely out of my hands. I feel fortunate about the opportunity to be given a couple starts, to be able to go out there and get extended and work on all my pitches."
Matusz has had a strong spring, compiling a 1.88 ERA over 14 1/3 Grapefruit League innings. He has 12 strikeouts and no walks this spring.
Matusz still wants to start, and the Orioles have been hoping that stretching out Matusz could entice teams to consider him as a potential left-handed starter who only makes $3.2 million in 2015 and has one more season of arbitration eligibility before he hits free agency.
Receiving extended innings this spring has allowed Matusz to work on all his pitches, specifically his changeup, a pitch that he saw success with as a starter in his first two years in the majors in 2009 and 2010.
"I've been successful with it so far this spring," Matusz said. "The key for me in keeping it down in the zone and having that speed differential."
Matusz said he's been able to get a 10-12 mph differential between his changeup and his fastball.
"I feel like that's a real key factor going into the season to be able to use all four pitches to kind of neutralize left-handed and right-hander hitters. That was a great opportunity and for me, I'm just excited to start the year and pitch and help this team win in whatever capacity that may be."
Even after losing Rule 5 pick Logan Verrett on waivers to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, the Orioles have 10 possible relievers for seven bullpen spots. That includes Zach Britton, Darren O'Day, Tommy Hunter, Brad Brach, Wesley Wright, T.J. McFarland, Ryan Webb, Jason Garcia and Matusz. Kevin Gausman will also likely open the season in the bullpen.
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