Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz reportedly died of a drug overdose in Arizona earlier this month.
The former Baltimore Orioles player was found dead in his home by his mother with a white substance in his mouth and drug paraphernalia near him on the floor, the Baltimore Banner reported, citing a Phoenix police report.
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Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Brian Matusz watches from the dugout after being removed from the baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in the sixth inning in Baltimore, Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
Matusz’s mother, Elizabeth, told authorities the former athlete struggled with drug problems and had made remarks such as “there’s nothing left for me” and he “used to have it all.”
She told police he had been clean for eight months, according to the Baltimore Banner. Two days before his death, on January 4, Matusz was taken to the emergency room for unclear reasons. He was reportedly discharged that day and was advised to seek a mental health professional. He was taken to a facility but was not hospitalized.
He died on January 6.
The Orioles announced Matusz’s death last week.
“A fixture 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 every fan he could, was a beloved teammate and always had a smile on his face,” the team said.
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Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matusz throws during a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
“Brian’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The Orioles selected the Colorado native in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of the University of San Diego. He made his major league debut in August 2009 against the Detroit Tigers, going five innings with five strikeouts and the win.
He became a full-time starter in 2010 and finished fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting after recording 143 strikeouts and a 10-12 record in 32 starts.
He missed two months of the 2011 regular season and in 2012 was demoted to the bullpen.
Matusz played well in his bullpen role, lowering his ERA to under 4.00 in the 2013 season. He had a 2.94 ERA during the 2015 season.
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matusz, #17, pitches during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 14, 2015. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in May 2016, but never appeared for them. He signed with the Chicago Cubs and appeared in just one game for them as they snapped the Curse of the Billy Goat and won the World Series.
