Former Orioles pitcher Brian Matus is believed to have died of a drug overdose, according to a Phoenix police report. Retrieved from Baltimore Banner.
Matusz was found dead at home by his mother Elizabeth on January 6th. There was a white object in his mouth and drug paraphernalia on the floor next to him.
Elizabeth told police that Brian, 37, had a history of substance abuse and had recently made comments such as “I don't have anything left.”
She took the one-time pitching phenom to the emergency room on January 4th. Banner said the reason she took him was redacted in the report, but he was advised to seek help from a mental health professional.
Elizabeth took Brian to Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale later that day, but he was not admitted, according to a police report.
Matusch grew up in the Phoenix area and became a top MLB pitching prospect while attending the University of San Diego.
The Orioles selected Matusz with the fourth pick in the 2008 MLB Draft.
The left-hander showed flashes, but never reached the potential that Baltimore saw in him. Matusch posted a 27-41 record with a 4.92 ERA in nine seasons.
He last pitched in the major leagues in 2016 with the Cubs.
Matusch attempted a comeback in 2019 with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.
