Once one of the top prospects in baseball, former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz, 37, died on Tuesday.
The Orioles’ No. 4 draft pick out of San Diego in 2008, Matusz didn’t live up to the billing as a highly-drafted prospect and Roger Clemens Award finalist. However, the left-handed pitcher had an eight-year career in the majors and received a World Series ring along the way.
Matusz’s cause of death hasn’t been disclosed, according to the Baltimore Sun on Tuesday. The Phoenix native played in the majors from 2009 to 2016.
“A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched,” the statement continued. “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,” the Orioles’ statement concluded.
Matusz pitched in 279 games for the Orioles amid a 27–42 career record. He had a 4.85 ERA and 460 strikeouts.
Matusz started seven games in 2009 and went 5–2 as a rookie, but the Orioles moved him to reliever after three losing seasons on the mound between 2010 and 2012. His best season as a reliever statistically came in 2015 when he had a 2.94 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 49 innings pitched. He also helped the Orioles make the playoffs in 2012 and 2014.
Matusz’s time with the Orioles ended in May 2016 via a trade with the Atlanta Braves, which he never played for. The Chicago Cubs signed him in June but sent him back to the minor leagues after a lackluster outing in July against the Seattle Mariners.
Despite never playing for the Cubs again that season, the team gave him a World Series ring afterward. Chicago ended a 107-year World Series drought that year with a win over the then-Cleveland Indians.
Besides his cameo appearance with the champion Cubs, Matusz was known for having his way with Hall of Famer David Ortiz. Matusz struck out Ortiz 13 times in 30 plate appearances.
After the Cubs, Matusz tried to resume his career in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization as a minor league player. He played from 2017 to 2019 in the Diamondbacks’ farm system.
Tributes poured in for Matusz since his death, which included one from his alma mater.
“Brian’s unexpected passing leaves a void in our hearts, but his legacy will continue to inspire us, both on and off the field,” Ungricht continued. “We will forever be grateful for his friendship and unwavering support of San Diego baseball. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
