Brian Matusch, a former MLB pitcher who played most of his career with the Baltimore Orioles, has died. He was 37 years old.
The Orioles made the announcement in a social media post on Tuesday.
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On June 29, 2014, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matus (back) gave up a two-run home run to Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Matt Joyce in the sixth inning. Number 17) responds. (Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports)
“A fixture in our clubhouse from 2009 to 2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland and his passion for baseball and our community was unparalleled. He shared his passion with every fan he could. He dedicated his time to connecting, was a valued teammate, and always had a smile on his face,'' the team said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian's family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Orioles selected the Colorado native out of the University of San Diego in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut against the Detroit Tigers in August 2009, winning with five innings and five strikeouts.
He became a full-time starting pitcher in 2010, posting a 10-12 record with 143 strikeouts in 32 starts and finishing fifth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matus (number 17) pitches in the bottom of the sixth inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 14, 2015. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
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He missed two months of the 2011 regular season and was relegated to the bullpen by 2012.
Matusz played well in his bullpen role, lowering his ERA to below 4.00 in the 2013 season. His ERA in the 2015 season was 2.94.
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in May 2016, but never appeared in a game. He appeared in just one game when he signed with the Chicago Cubs, broke the Billy Goat curse, and won the World Series.
Matusz's cause of death was unknown.
Former Orioles pitcher Matt Hobgood remembered the pitcher in an X post.
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matus (number 17) pitches in the bottom of the eighth inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on May 7, 2016. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
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“I just heard the news this morning that Brian Matus has passed away,” he wrote. “This is awful…He was one of the first people I called after I signed in 2009. He took the time to call me and encourage me and wish me well in my career. It always meant a lot that he would do that. Rest in peace my friend. “
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