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Brian Matusz, a former pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball (MLB), likely passed away from a drug overdose, according to a police report obtained by The Baltimore Banner. The 37-year-old’s death, which occurred on January 6, was discovered by his mother, who had come to check on him at his Arizona home.
Discovery of Matusz's body
The Phoenix Police Department's report reveals that Matusz's body was found on a couch in an upstairs loft of his home. A white substance was found in his mouth, and nearby on the floor were drug paraphernalia items, leading authorities to suspect that an overdose may have been the cause of death.
Matusz’s tragic passing has shocked the baseball community, particularly in Baltimore, where he had been a beloved figure for many years.
Orioles pay tribute to Matusz
On January 7, the Baltimore Orioles confirmed Matusz’s death and expressed their sorrow. In a heartfelt statement, the team said, “A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched.”
Matusz's contributions to the Orioles’ success and his impact on the team’s culture were highly valued by teammates and fans.
Matusz's career overview
Matusz was drafted by the Orioles as the fourth overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, following Tim Beckham, Pedro Alvarez, and Eric Hosmer. The standout pitcher from the University of San Diego quickly rose, making his major league debut in 2009. He made 32 starts for the Orioles in 2010, finishing fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
Initially starting as a pitcher, Matusz transitioned to a relief role in 2012, where he enjoyed a resurgence. Throughout eight seasons with the Orioles, he appeared in 279 games, posting a 4.85 ERA overall, though his performance as a reliever was even stronger with a 3.47 ERA across 171 innings. Matusz played a key role in the Orioles' playoff appearances in 2012 and 2014, featuring in seven postseason games.
Notable career success against David Ortiz
One of Matusz's standout achievements was his dominance over Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz. Matusz held Ortiz to just four hits in 29 at-bats, a .138 batting average, and struck him out 13 times. This success against one of baseball’s greatest hitters is a testament to Matusz’s talent on the mound.
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