BALTIMORE — Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher and first round draft pick Brian Matusz has died, the team announced Tuesday. He was 37.
Matusz died Tuesday morning, according to MASN Sports’ Roch Kubatko. No cause of death was disclosed.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz,” the Orioles said in a statement. “A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian 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 cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face. Brian’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
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Matusz, a former standout at the University of San Diego, was drafted by the Orioles fourth overall in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft. The 6-foot-5 southpaw pitched eight seasons in MLB, all with the Orioles except for one start for the Chicago Cubs during its 2016 World Series championship season. He was often utilized out of the Orioles’ bullpen against Boston Red Sox star slugger David Ortiz, holding the Hall of Famer to 4-for-29 (.138 batting average) with 13 strikeouts in his career against him.
Matusz finished his MLB career with a 27-41 record and 4.92 ERA in 280 games pitched, including 69 starts.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of former Major League pitcher Brian Matusz,” MLB said in a statement Tuesday.
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