The plan for Hobgood and the Matusz streak
It is going to be about two and a half weeks before O's first-round draft pick Matt Hobgood pitches in a game for Bluefield of the Appalachian League.
The O's will have Hobgood go through a throwing progression where he starts with long toss, advances to throw bullpen sessions, then throws batting practice to hitters and eventually works in a simulated game.
Then, sometime around July 20th, he'll be ready to take the mound for the first time as a pro.
"We need to see how he progresses and we'll do what is best for him," O's Director of Player Development, David Stockstill said. "We have a plan for him, those plans could change depending upon how he does."
Hobgood will be a starting pitcher for Bluefield. He may only throw two or three innings in that first start, but will increase his innings from there on out.
Meanwhile, the O's third and sixth-round picks from the June draft have joined the Aberdeen IronBirds and their pro careers are underway.
Third-round pick Tyler Townsend is 2 for 12 with 8 strikeouts in four games with the IronBirds. The 21-year-old Townsend is expected to play mostly first base at Aberdeen.
This past season at Florida International, he batted .426-24-77. Townsend is from Lewes, Delaware and played at Cape Henlopen High School.
Sixth-round selection Justin Dalles, a catcher from the University of South Carolina, is 0 for 8 in his first two games with Aberdeen.
Dalles, from Lake Worth, Florida, was a second-team all SEC pick this past season. He is expected to get plenty of starts behind the plate for the IronBirds.
___________________________________________________________________
Last night, Bowie lefty Brian Matusz pitched a four-hit shutout in game one of a doubleheader as the Baysox beat Akron, 3-0. He gave up just four hits in the seven-inning game.
Matusz is now 3-0, 0.49 in three Bowie starts. In 18 1/3 innings he has given up just one earned run with 21 strikeouts.
In 14 starts this year between Frederick and Bowie, Matusz is 7-2, 1.80.
Here is the amazing stat with Matusz. Dating four starts back when he was with Frederick he has allowed just one earned run over his last 41 1/3 innings for an ERA of 0.22.
It all began when he finished a start on May 20th vs. Lynchburg with three scoreless frames.
Matusz's streak:
May 20 - Lynchburg at Fred, ends game with 3IP, 0 runs
May 26 - Fred at Wilmington, 7IP, 0 runs
May 31 - Fred at Salem, 7IP, 0 runs
June 5 - Salem at Fred, 6IP, 0 runs
June 17 - Reading at Bowie, 6IP, 1 run, 0 earned runs
June 27 - Bowie at Altoona, 5 1/3IP, 1 run, 1 earned run
July 2 - Akron at Bowie, 7IP, 0 runs
On June 11th, Matusz pitched four shutout innings at Lynchburg, but the game was then rained out and the stats from that contest do not count. The O's had Matusz skip one start after his June 17 outing vs. Reading.
 |
Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
I realize the O's are taking it slow with Matusz, and I much prefer their current approach to the one they took with Hayden Penn and Adam Loewen, but Matusz doesn't seem to have any weaknesses right now. Is there a point where Matusz would force the team to bring him up ahead of schedule? How dominant does he have to be? He doesn't seem to have too much to learn down in the minors.
________________________________________________________________
He has not pitched at Triple-A yet. I wonder if they would move him up although he has only three starts with Bowie. - Steve
Uh, Steve? Do you get the feeling Matusz may be the real thing? I'm just sayin'.
_____________________________________________________
I've seen him pitch three times in person and I got that feeling each time.
Steve
That's some scary good numbers...
Another couple of dominant starts and Matusz needs to be moved to AAA. He is obviously head and shoulders above Tillman and Arrieta and lefthanded as well. September should be the time to start establishing next year's rotation with Bergeson,Matusz and Arrieta front and center.
Those numbers from Matusz are very encouraging. Not only is he dominating hitters, but he is pitching deep into games. Any chance we see him at Norfolk this year?
_______________________________________________________
I'd be suprised if they did it now after just three AA starts, but maybe they do it after 6 or 8 AA starts. - Steve
Matusz has been downright filthy. I'm going to have to make that trip down rt 3 to see him pitch soon. Thanks for the updates Steve.
It'll be interesting to see if McPhail pulls the trigger on bringing Matuz up if Hill has a couple more bad starts.
Whew! 3-0, 0.49?! Those are some numbers! Looks like he needs a more competitive situation to me. We might see this guy in Balto next year. A new Kiddie Corps with him, Arrietta and Tillman. Exciting prospect to me.