Brian Matusz, a former MLB pitcher who played for the Baltimore Orioles for most of his career, has died. He was 37 years old.
The Orioles made the announcement Tuesday in a social media post.
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Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz, #17, reacts after allowing a two-run homer to Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Matt Joyce in the sixth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 29, 2014. (Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports)
“Brian, a staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, was beloved throughout Birdland and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched. He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, was a beloved teammate and He always had a smile on his face,” the team said.
“Brian’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
The Orioles selected the Colorado native in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of the University of San Diego. He made his major league debut in August 2009 against the Detroit Tigers, going five innings with five strikeouts and earning the victory.
He became a full-time starter in 2010 and finished fifth in American League Rookie of the Year voting after recording 143 strikeouts and a 10-12 record in 32 starts.
Baltimore Orioles reliever Brian Matusz, #17, pitches during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 14, 2015. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
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He missed two months of the 2011 regular season and was demoted to the bullpen in 2012.
Matusz played well in his bullpen role, lowering his ERA to below 4.00 in the 2013 season. He had a 2.94 ERA during the 2015 season.
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in May 2016, but never appeared for them. He signed with the Chicago Cubs and appeared in just one game for them as they broke the Curse of the Goat and won the World Series.
The cause of Matusz’s death was unclear.
Former Orioles pitcher Matt Hobgood remembered the pitcher in a post on X.
Baltimore Orioles reliever Brian Matusz, #17, pitches during the eighth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on May 7, 2016. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
“Just heard the news of Brian Matusz’s passing this morning,” he wrote. “This is horrible…he was one of the first people to call me after I signed in 09′. He took the time to call me, encourage me and wish me the best in my career and it always meant a lot that he did. RIP. my friend “
