Orioles Pitcher Brian Matusz Likely to Miss His Bobblehead Night Following Demotion

If a team uses a pitcher as its featured player for bobblehead night, there's a good chance that player may not see action in that game. There is a good chance that the player will be on the major league roster, though — unless, of course, you play for the Baltimore Orioles.

Starter Brian Matusz, Baltimore's top prospect in 2010, was demoted to Triple-A Norfolk on June 30 after posting an 8.77 ERA in six starts. The problem? The Orioles are planning a bobblehead giveaway on Aug. 6. The featured player? Matusz, of course.

Matusz hasn't improved in his time at Triple-A, either, compiling a 4.73 ERA in five starts. So a return by Aug. 6 seems unlikely. Last season, Matusz finished fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting, leading all rookies with 143 strikeouts.

This is the second year in a row this has happened to the Orioles. Last season, top prospect Nolan Reimold was playing down on the farm during his bobblehead night.

Of course, Baltimore would probably deserve some criticism if they kept a struggling youngster in the big leagues just because they were giving away his bobblehead. So the Orioles deserve some credit here.