Showalter talks about Matusz suspension

The news today from Major League Baseball that Orioles reliever Brian Matusz received an eight-game suspension came as no surprise considering that Milwaukee's Will Smith was handed the same punishment for the same infraction.

"Everything is based off precedent," said Orioles manager Buck Showalter.

Matusz is appealing the suspension, also as expected, and remains in the bullpen this afternoon.

"Each case is different and that's why you have the appeal process to make sure it's not just some blanket punishment," Showalter said. "I'm sure that's why it's in place, to find out if this is different. You've got to start somewhere and that's why the process is in place. And when it's over and said and they decide how many games it is compared to everything else, I'll probably be a little more opinionated on it.

"It's one of those things that publicly you're always supportive of your players. Privately, you're always trying to make people aware of their actions. I'm sure T.J. McFarland has some ideas about it. A lot of people are affected by things."

McFarland took the loss Saturday night after replacing Matusz.

Matusz was deemed to have a foreign substance on his right arm, believed to be sunscreen and rosin.

"We've always seen a lot of cameras on everybody in all these ballparks," Showalter said. "We've all got a personal opinion about the crux of where it all comes from, especially baseball people. Hopefully, it's something we'll attack finally and get right. I think it's something that's really drawing attention to the challenge pitchers have. And someone may say, 'How did they do it before?' I can tell you how they did it before.

"You've got to be so careful saying something and that puts everybody in jeopardy. We all know what goes on. Hitters can grip the bat, but pitchers can't (use the same thing). Gloves. Catching gear. There are so many things. Why does a guy wear glasses as an umpire?"

"So, yeah, regardless of why and what is right or wrong or what is fair or not fair, the bottom line is it's something ... And who knows, we may go through the process and they might not give him any games. Let's let it run its course."

Should teams hold meetings and tell their players where they can place the substances without getting caught?

"That would be indictful of something and assuming something has happened or hasn't happened," Showalter said. "Obviously, I'm well aware of how it all works. What is the code? There is no code. Not any more. Things change. They're changing for the worse and better.

"There are things that go on in the game that 20 years ago ... It's the players' game. The players will police it. Everybody has an opinion on everything. It's not something you like talked about all the time.

"There by the grace of god go all of us. Everybody makes a mistake. I'm real conscious of making sure I take care of my own backyard before I start looking at somebody else and critiquing them. This is a failure on our part. It's a reflection on all of us if it is the case."

The Orioles don't know whether Matusz will start serving his suspension by Thursday's doubleheader. They can bring up a 26th player for both ends of it.

Showalter laughed at the notion that he could ask Major League Baseball to delay Matusz's suspension until after the doubleheader based on extenuating circumstances.

"Can I make a request of Major League Baseball after they suspend a player to bend the rules for us? That's not going to happen," he said.

"We beat this around a lot on the plane after games (in Miami) and even today. I'm kind of in the mode, I'm going to get through today and try to win today and the same way tomorrow and see if we get a feel for the appeal process. You've got to be ready to move in all directions each day or you just beat yourself mentally."