BALTIMORE — Orioles starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez departed in the fifth inning of Tuesday night’s game against the Boston Red Sox with a right groin strain.
After allowing a leadoff double and inducing a ground out, Gonzalez was met at the mound by manager Buck Showalter and head trainer Richie Bancells and walked to the dugout a few moments later. The Baltimore starter had thrown 89 pitches and said he began feeling the discomfort when he retired Mookie Betts on a fly ball to end the top of the fourth.
Now, the club must decide whether they will need to place Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list. Starting pitcher Bud Norris was just activated from the DL on Sunday after nearly a month-long absence due to bronchitis.
“Miguel had this before [in 2012] and missed a start, but I think we were working with an off-day there if I remember,” Showalter said. “It’s the same groin. I was talking to him before I came down here. It’s very similar. I don’t think it’s something real long, but we’ll have to make a decision between now and [Wednesday]. We’ll talk about it some more after we get done here.”
In the short term, sending Gonzalez to the DL would open a roster spot to once again go with a seven-man bullpen while lefty reliever Brian Matusz serves the remaining four games of his suspension. The Orioles could recall left-hander Cesar Cabral, who was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday to make room for outfielder Nolan Reimold on the active roster.
Cabral would not be required to stay in the minors for 10 days since he’d be replacing an injured player. The Orioles could then summon a starting pitcher such as Norfolk right-hander Mike Wright for Gonzalez’s next turn in the rotation on Sunday afternoon, which is also when Matusz is eligible to return.
Gonzalez owns a 5-4 record with a 3.33 ERA in 12 starts this season.
