Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz died on Tuesday, the team announced.
He was 37.
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, he spent most of his eight-year MLB career with the Baltimore Orioles, pitching in 279 games (68 starts) between 2009-16. Cause of death was not revealed.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz,” the team said in a statement, noting he was a staple of the clubhouse. “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.”
A native of Grand Junction, Colorado, he was a standout at the University of San Diego where he finished his collegiate career as the school’s all-time leader in strikeouts.
In a statement, USD called Matusz one of the “best players to ever wear a Torero uniform.”
“His dedication to the USD community and passion for the game of baseball were evident to all who knew him,” head coach Brock Ungricht said. “Brian’s unexpected passing leaves a void in our hearts, but his legacy will continue to inspire us, both on and off the field. We will forever be grateful for his friendship and unwavering support of San Diego baseball. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Matusz broke into the big leagues in 2009 with Baltimore envisioning him as a key piece of its young rotation, but his career really took off when he moved to the bullpen.
He is remembered fondly for his lefty-lefty success against Hall of Fame Red Sox slugger David Ortiz. The slugger went 4-for-29 (.138) with 13 strikeouts in his career against Matusz.
He made only one big league appearance for a team other than the O’s — a three-inning start for the Cubs during their World Series curse-breaking season in 2016.
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