Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz, known for his transition from starting pitcher to the bullpen, has passed away at age 37.
Key Facts:
– Brian Matusz died at the age of 37; no cause of death has been reported.
– He pitched primarily for the Baltimore Orioles from 2009 to 2016.
– Matusz was a first-round draft pick in 2008 from the University of San Diego.
– He began as a starter, then shifted to a relief role in 2012.
– The Orioles, teammates, and fans have publicly mourned his passing.
The Rest of The Story:
Matusz joined the Orioles after being drafted in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft.
He debuted in August 2009 with a solid start, striking out five batters over five innings and securing a win.
By 2010, he became a full-time starter, finishing with 143 strikeouts and a 10-12 record.
His performance earned him attention as a bright prospect, and he placed fifth in voting for American League Rookie of the Year.
Though an injury in 2011 derailed some of his momentum, Matusz reinvented himself as a reliable bullpen arm by 2012.
In subsequent seasons, he delivered steady results, often keeping his earned run average (ERA) under the 4.00 mark.
One of his best seasons came in 2015, when he finished with a 2.94 ERA out of the bullpen, helping anchor the Orioles’ relief corps.
We are devastated to learn of the passing of former Major League pitcher Brian Matusz.
Matusz, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, spent a majority of his eight seasons with the Orioles. He won his Major League debut on August 4, 2009, as he gave up just one run in… pic.twitter.com/40nxZP7KDG
— MLB (@MLB) January 8, 2025
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2016 but did not appear in a game for them.
A short-lived stint with the Chicago Cubs followed that same year, though he only made one appearance before they eventually won the World Series.
Following this, he stepped away from the major leagues, staying largely out of the public eye in recent years.
The Orioles announced his death on social media, remembering him as a beloved presence in the locker room who always had time for fans.
Former teammate Matt Hobgood echoed those sentiments, recalling how Matusz offered warm words of encouragement when Hobgood first signed in 2009.
Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz.
A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched. He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he… pic.twitter.com/wNN3WkO8l4
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) January 8, 2025
The Bottom Line:
Brian Matusz carved out a respected career with the Orioles as both a starter and a reliever.
While his life has ended far too soon, many players and fans continue to share memories of his upbeat spirit and dedication to the game.
READ NEXT: After Dem Senator Declares ‘Fight is Just Beginning’ Trump Team Fires Back
His legacy remains in Baltimore’s history, and those who knew him are mourning the loss of a friend and teammate.