Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz — best known for his years on the mound with the Baltimore Orioles — died of an apparent overdose… TMZ Sports has confirmed.
According to our sources, Matusz was found dead at his residence in Phoenix, Arizona on January 6th… with a white substance around his mouth and drug paraphernalia – including a straw, a lighter and aluminum foil – near his right hand.
Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole Brian Matusz.
Brian was a fixture in our clubhouse from 2009 to 2016 and was beloved throughout Birdland. His passion for baseball and our community was unmatched. He dedicated his time to connecting with every fan he… pic.twitter.com/wNN3WkO8l4
– Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) January 8, 2025
@Orioles
We were told it was Matusz's mother, Elizabethwho discovered him…after becoming increasingly worried about him because he had expressed the feeling that he no longer had anything to live for.
According to our sources, Matusz has a history of substance abuse… although he recently got clean.
Matusz – the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft – played in the MLB from 2009 to 2016, logging playing time with the Orioles and Cubs. He signed with the Diamondbacks in 2017 but was released a short time later.
Matusz's Death rocked the baseball world … the Orioles said in a statement: “Brian was beloved throughout Birdland and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched. He dedicated his time to connecting with every fan he could, was a valued teammate, and always had a smile on his face.
Matusz was just 37 years old.
REST IN PEACE