Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz likely died from a drug overdose, according to a police report.
The Phoenix Police Department, in a report obtained by the Baltimore Banner, said Matusz was found dead in his Arizona home on Jan. 6 by his mother, who had come to check on him. The report says Matusz’s body was found on a couch in an upstairs loft with a white substance in his mouth and drug paraphernalia on the floor nearby.
‘A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched,’ the Orioles said in a statement.
The left-hander began his career in Baltimore as a starter before transitioning to a relief role during the 2012 season. He found success in the bullpen, and appeared in seven playoff games for the Orioles in the 2012 and 2014 postseasons.
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A standout collegiate pitcher at the University of San Diego, Matusz was selected fourth in the 2008 MLB draft behind Tim Beckham (Rays), Pedro Alvarez (Pirates) and Eric Hosmer (Royals).
He reached the majors the following year and made 32 starts for Baltimore in 2010, finishing fifth in the AL rookie of the year balloting.
He appeared in 279 games for the Orioles over parts of eight seasons, posting a 4.85 ERA. However, he was much more effective as a reliever, with a 3.47 ERA over 171 innings.
Matusz enjoyed particular success throughout his career against Boston Red Sox great David Ortiz. The Hall of Fame DH managed just four hits in 29 at-bats against him (.138 average) with 13 strikeouts and one walk.
Suicide Lifeline: If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health or substance use crises, help is available. Call or text the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or chat with a trained counselor at 988lifeline.org.
