The baseball world mourns the loss of former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz, who passed away at the age of 37. The Baltimore Orioles, where Matusz spent a significant portion of his career, shared the heartbreaking news on Tuesday.
The Orioles fondly remembered Matusz as a beloved figure within the organization and the Baltimore community. "A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was cherished throughout Birdland. His love for the game and his connection with fans were truly exceptional," the team stated. They offered condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Matusz, a Colorado native, was drafted by the Orioles in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft after playing at the University of San Diego. He made his MLB debut in August 2009 against the Detroit Tigers, securing a win in his first start. In 2010, he became a regular starter and finished fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, boasting a 10-12 record and 143 strikeouts across 32 starts.
After missing a significant portion of the 2011 season due to injury, Matusz transitioned to a bullpen role in 2012. He excelled in this new capacity, lowering his ERA to below 4.00 in 2013 and achieving a 2.94 ERA in 2015.
Traded to the Atlanta Braves in May 2016, Matusz did not make an appearance for the team. He later signed with the Chicago Cubs, appearing in one game during their historic World Series championship run that same year.
Former Orioles teammate Matt Hobgood shared his grief on social media, recalling Matusz's kindness and encouragement early in his own career. The cause of Matusz's death has not been publicly released.
