[USML Announce] Berliners Can't Keep Matusz In Hand

[Brad Jansen]

ITEM:
ST. PETERSBURG -- Orioles starter Brian Matusz (left intercostal
muscle strain) will remain with the team through the weekend and see
the team's orthopedist on Monday. Matusz had been experiencing
discomfort in his lat/back area that turned into acute pain on Friday,
and he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with top pitching
prospect Zach Britton taking his roster spot.

Matusz will also go to Philadelphia on Tuesday to see the wart
specialist that removed a wart on his left middle finger earlier in
spring and make sure everything is OK there.

The team should have a better idea on Matusz's timetable moving
forward on Wednesday. He received a cortisone injection to help speed
up the healing process, and the initial prognosis is anywhere from 3-6
weeks, according to president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail.

LOSER: Already saddled with $65 worth of sore-armed mediocrities
Lester, Verlander and Feliciano, this latest news is the knell of
death for the defending champions.  Look for this team to try peddling
Joel Peralta to the Nukes for Farnsworth insurance and moving other
key pieces as rebuilding efforts get underway.  Trend is a DOWNWARD
SPIRAL.

WINNER: Calamari in desperate need of good news and they reel it in
with Zach Britton's rapid ascension to the Show. Now they Nathan to
nab some saves and if that happens, the fish are HEADING UPSTREAM.