Former Major League Baseball pitcher and first-round draft pick Brian Matusz passed away at his Arizona home on January 6 at the age of 37.
According to a Phoenix police report, Matusz likely died from a drug overdose.
His mother, Elizabeth Matusz, discovered him unresponsive on a couch after being unable to contact him by phone.
She entered his home through a bathroom window and found drug paraphernalia near his body, along with a white substance in his mouth, police reported.
Authorities noted no signs of foul play, though the investigation remains ongoing.
The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner has taken custody of Matusz’s remains.
The case is currently sealed at the request of his family, and the exact substance involved has been redacted in the police report.
Elizabeth reportedly told police her son had been struggling emotionally. He had made concerning comments, such as, “There is nothing left for me” and lamented that he “used to have it all.”
Two days before his death, Matusz was taken to the emergency room for an undisclosed issue and discharged six hours later with advice to seek mental health support.
His parents then took him to Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, the next day, but he was not admitted.
Elizabeth noted her son had a history of substance use but had been clean for about eight months.
Matusz was drafted fourth overall by the Baltimore Orioles in 2008 and played for the team from 2009 to 2016.
He later had a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs, followed by appearances in the Mexican League and with the Long Island Ducks in 2019.
Most recently, he served as the bullpen coach for Baseball New Zealand during the 2022 World Baseball Classic.
In his MLB career, Matusz pitched in 280 regular-season games, earning recognition for his key role in Buck Showalter’s Orioles bullpens.
Fans in Baltimore fondly remember his success against David Ortiz, holding the Red Sox legend to a .138 batting average.
The Orioles shared a heartfelt tribute on social media: “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 could, was a cherished teammate, and always had a smile on his face.”
In addition to his on-field contributions, Matusz was known for his community involvement.
The Orioles shared an image of him visiting sick children in a Baltimore hospital, highlighting his dedication to giving back.
RIP.
