Brian Matusz, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 37. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Matusz, a left-handed pitcher, was a first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles and spent the majority of his eight-year career with the team.
The Orioles expressed their condolences on social media, remembering Matusz as a beloved figure in the clubhouse and the community. From 2009 to 2016, Matusz was a familiar face in the Orioles’ locker room, known for his passion for the game and his dedication to the fans. He was remembered as a cherished teammate who always wore a smile.
Born in Colorado, Matusz first made a name for himself at the University of San Diego, where he was named the 2008 West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year. His impressive performance caught the attention of the Orioles, who selected him as the fourth overall pick in the first round of the MLB draft that same year.
After a brief stint in the minor leagues, Matusz made his MLB debut on August 4, 2009, pitching five innings in a victory against the Detroit Tigers. He had a standout year in 2010, making 32 starts and finishing fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
In 2012, Matusz transitioned to the bullpen, where he became a reliable relief pitcher for the Orioles. From 2013 to 2015, he consistently appeared in at least 58 games each season, maintaining an earned run average (ERA) of 3.53 or lower.
Matusz’s final MLB appearance came in 2016 with the World Series-winning Chicago Cubs. He then spent a season with the Triple-A Reno Aces, a minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. His last professional pitching stint was with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League, following a period playing in Mexico.
In 2022, Matusz took on a coaching role, serving as the bullpen coach for New Zealand in the World Baseball Classic.