Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta could be usefel pieces in September

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta may have struggled as starters in the majors this year, but they may be able to help the Orioles in September when the rosters expand.

Matusz held LHH to a .239 wOBA this season and struck out 27.7% of the lefties he faced. He could be useful as a LOOGY.

Arrieta's fastball velocity would probably be up a tick or two out of the 'pen and it could be a good way for him to get some confidence back.

[Matt P]

Matusz I think would be a great LOOGY but I don't think the bullpen in a playoff race is the best place for a man with no confidence (Arrieta). His problem isn't his velocity.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Matusz I think would be a great LOOGY but I don't think the bullpen in a playoff race is the best place for a man with no confidence (Arrieta). His problem isn't his velocity.

I'm not saying his velocity is problem.

My point was that his fastball velocity would likely be up a bit, which would lead to better results, and may improve his confidence going into 2013.

[Matt P]

How would the velocity increasing help his control?

[Jordan Tuwiner]

How would the velocity increasing help his control?

It wouldn't. It would probably be passable in one inning stints.

[Matt P]

I don't know I guess I just wouldn't trust him in a close game until he does it a few times. I know a lot of people have always thought his future was as a closer or late inning power arm so I'm not saying he wouldn't succeed. A lot of relievers have bad control and make it work for one inning. I definitely wouldn't let him come in with anyone on base though.

[TuckerBlair89]

I don't know I guess I just wouldn't trust him in a close game until he does it a few times. I know a lot of people have always thought his future was as a closer or late inning power arm so I'm not saying he wouldn't succeed. A lot of relievers have bad control and make it work for one inning. I definitely wouldn't let him come in with anyone on base though.

Pedro Strop comes to mind

[birdwatcher55]

I might look at Arrieta as a seventh inning guy IF we are still in the race come September. Matusz and Britton are pretty worthless the way they are pitching right now

[LA Detective]

I think the last week of August they should work out of the AAA pen and then find spots for them to pitch in Sept. during not so stressful situations. Then go from there. I wouldnt be shocked to see both of them pitch very well down the stretch working out of the pen.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

The beat writers just announced that Matusz will be moved to the bullpen at Norfolk and will likely pitch in that role in September.

[Matt P]

It's pretty sad if you think about it. A college lefty, picked 4th overall, who was called up to the majors in his first season, showed flashes of brilliance, and is now being converted to a reliever.

If Arrieta and Matusz both end up as relievers I'll be real ticked off that they refused to give them up for Headley.

[ofahn]

If Arrieta and Matusz both end up as relievers I'll be real ticked off that they refused to give them up for Headley.

That story hasn't had its ending written yet.

[OriolesRedskins28]

If Arrieta and Matusz both end up as relievers I'll be real ticked off that they refused to give them up for Headley.

+1,000!

[Matt P]

That story hasn't had its ending written yet.

I know, but the fact that they have been contemplating this for a few weeks according to Buck means they don't think highly off him enough to come back to Baltimore as a starter. They could have traded Arrieta who is a wild card and Matusz who they view as a reliever for one of the best 3B in baseball.

[Matt P]

Both are now in the bullpen. Good call.