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Former Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz dies – dead at 37

January 7, 2025
by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Baltimore OriolesBrian Matusz
Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz throwing a pitch

Jul 19, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matusz (17) pitches during the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Orioles beat the Tigers 9-3. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Former major league pitcher Brian Matusz has died.

The Baltimore Orioles announced the tragic news Tuesday with a statement posted on X. He was only 37 years old.

“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz,” the statement read.

“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 could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face.

“Brian’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”

Matusz was drafted 4th overall in 2008. The University of San Diego alum was picked between former Kansas City Royals star Eric Hosmer (3rd overall) and San Francisco Giants legend Buster Posey (5th overall).

The 6’5″ lefty finished fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting during the 2010 season. Matusz recorded a 4.30 ERA with 143 strikeouts and had a 10-12 record across 32 starts that year.

Matusz spent his first seven full seasons with the Orioles from 2009 to 2015. He also started the 2016 campaign on Baltimore’s roster but was traded to the Atlanta Braves midseason. While Matusz was eventually released by the Braves before throwing a pitch for Atlanta, he was later signed by the Chicago Cubs, who ended up winning the World Series that year.

Matusz had a career ERA of 4.92 with 462 strikeouts across 528.2 innings pitched.