Former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Brian Matusz has died at the age of 37. The cause of his death remains undisclosed. Matusz, a left-handed pitcher, was a first-round draft pick for the Baltimore Orioles, where he spent most of his eight-year professional career.
The Orioles paid tribute to Matusz on social media, remembering him as a beloved figure both in the clubhouse and the community. Matusz was a familiar presence in the Orioles’ locker room from 2009 to 2016, recognized for his love of the game and his commitment to the fans. His teammates remembered him as a cherished colleague who always wore a smile.
Matusz was born in Colorado and first gained recognition at the University of San Diego. He was named the 2008 West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year, which caught the attention of the Orioles. They selected him as the fourth overall pick in the first round of the MLB draft that same year.
After a brief period in the minor leagues, Matusz made his MLB debut on August 4, 2009, pitching five innings in a win against the Detroit Tigers. He had an exceptional 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, becoming 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 was 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, after 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.