With Opening Day less than a month away, we’ll take a look at a member of the 2016 Orioles every day as they try to return to the playoffs for the third time in five years this season.
March 1 – Adam Jones
March 2 – Chris Tillman
March 3 – Jonathan Schoop
March 4 – Brad Brach
March 5 – Nolan Reimold
March 6 – Yovani Gallardo
March 7 – Matt Wieters
March 8 – T.J. McFarland
March 9 – Dariel Alvarez
RP Brian Matusz
Age: 29
Contract status: Under club control through the 2016 season
2015 stats: 1-4, 2.94 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 10.3 K/IP, 3.7 BB/IP, 5 HR, 49 innings
Why to be impressed: The lefty specialist’s strikeout rate has steadily increased since he permanently moved to the bullpen during the 2012 season, and he struck out more than a third of the left-handed hitters he faced last season. Matusz was also better against right-handed hitters than he has been in previous years, holding them to a .244 average and a .721 on-base plus slugging percentage.
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Why to be concerned: Even though Matusz dramatically improved his control in the second half of the season, his walk rate was its highest since the 2012 season, which is concerning for a pitcher who is frequently asked to face only a batter or two. His inherited runner scoring percentage also dropped for the third consecutive year as he allowed an unimpressive 37 percent to score.
2016 outlook: His $3.9 million salary is expensive for a pitcher with shaky splits, but it’s difficult to argue with Matusz’ success against left-handed hitters over the last few years. Manager Buck Showalter will likely use the southpaw how he has over the last few years, but Matusz is a solid bet to cut down on the walks and do a better job stranding runners than he did in 2015.
2016 not-so-scientific projections: 3-4, 3.16 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 9.7 K/IP, 3.1 BB/IP, 6 HR, 48 innings
