Former MLB pitcher Brian Matus reportedly died of a drug overdose in Arizona earlier this month.
The former Baltimore Orioles player was found dead in his home by his mother with a white object in his mouth and drug paraphernalia on the floor nearby. baltimore banner The report cited a Phoenix police report.
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Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Brian Matus watches from the dugout after being ejected in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Patrick Semanski, File)
Matusz's mother, Elizabeth, told authorities that the former player had struggled with drug problems and had made statements such as “I have nothing left” and “I once had everything.”
She told police she had been clean for eight months, the Baltimore Banner reported. On January 4, two days before his death, Matusch was rushed to the emergency room for unknown reasons. He was reportedly discharged from the hospital that same day and was advised to seek a mental health professional. He was taken to a facility, but was not admitted.
He passed away on January 6th.
The Orioles announced Matusch's death last week.
“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.
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Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matus throws during a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
“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.
He missed two months of the 2011 regular season and was demoted to the bullpen by 2012.
Matusz played well in his role in the bullpen, lowering his ERA to below 4.00 in the 2013 season. His ERA in the 2015 season was 2.94.
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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)
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.
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