Matusz Ready To Start Rehab Assignment

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Baltimore Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz is ready to start a minor league rehab assignment.

Matusz, who has been on the disabled list all season because of a strained ribcage muscle, had a 45-pitch bullpen session on Friday before the Orioles played Tampa Bay. He is scheduled to start for Class-A Frederick on Monday.

Matusz said he felt good and loose after his throwing session.

Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said if everything goes well on Monday, Matusz will then make a start for either Double-A Bowie or Triple-A Norfolk.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)