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HomeSportTragic Loss: Former Orioles Pitcher Brian Matusz Passes Away at 37

Tragic Loss: Former Orioles Pitcher Brian Matusz Passes Away at 37

 

Brian Matusz, former Baltimore Orioles pitcher, passes away at 37


Brian Matusz, a former pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, has passed away, according to the team’s announcement on Tuesday night. He was 37 years old.

 

The cause of his death has not been revealed.

Reporter Roch Kubatko from MASN shared that Matusz passed away early on Tuesday morning.

The Orioles stated, “Brian was a key presence in our clubhouse from 2009-2016 and was well-loved in Birdland for his unmatched enthusiasm for baseball and our community.”

“He committed himself to engaging with fans, was a treasured teammate, and maintained a cheerful disposition. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Brian’s family and loved ones during this challenging time.”

 

Originally drafted by the Angels in the fourth round out of St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix in 2005, Matusz chose to attend the University of San Diego instead of signing. The Baltimore Orioles selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft, and he made his MLB debut with the team in 2009.

 

Matusz started his career in Baltimore primarily as a starting pitcher but shifted to a relief role in the 2012 season, where he experienced success. He remained in that position until being traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2016. After that, he was released and signed with the Chicago Cubs, making his final MLB appearance—a start—on July 31, 2016.

In total, Matusz played in 279 games for the Orioles over eight seasons, with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.85.

He particularly excelled against legendary Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz. In their matchups, Ortiz managed only four hits in 29 at-bats against Matusz, resulting in a batting average of .138. Ortiz walked just once and struck out 13 times against the left-hander.