Brian Matusz, former MLB pitcher who played for Baltimore Orioles most of his career, died. He was 37 years old.
The Orioles made the announcement Tuesday in a social media post.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS REPORTS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz, #17, reacts after giving up a double play to Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Matt Joyce in the sixth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 29, 2014. (Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports)
“A key member of our club from 2009 to 2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland and his passion for baseball and our community was second to none. He dedicated his time to connecting with every fan he could, was a valued teammate and always had a smile on his face,” the team said.
“Brian’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at 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 debut in the first league in August 2009 against The Detroit Tigersfive innings with five outs and a win.
He became a full-time starter in 2010 and finished fifth in American League Rookie of the Year voting after recording 143 strikeouts and a 10-12 record in 32 starts.
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matusz, #17, throws 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)
PIRATES LEGEND BOB VEALE, 1971 WORLD CHAMPION, DIES AT 89
He missed two months of the 2011 regular season, and by 2012 he was demoted to the bullpen.
Matusz pitched well in his role in the bullpen, dropping his ERA below 4.00 in 2013. He had a 2.94 ERA during the 2015 season.
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in May 2016, but never made an appearance for them. He signed with Chicago Cubs and appeared in just one game for them as they shook off the Curse of the Billy Goat and won the World Championship.
Matusz’s cause of death was not clear.
Former Orioles pitcher Matt Hobgood remembered the pitcher in a post on X.
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matusz, #17, throws during the eighth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on May 7, 2016. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Just heard the news that Brian Matusz passed away this morning,” he wrote. “This is awful…he was one of the first people to call me after I signed in 09′. He took the time to call me, encourage me and wish me the best in my career and it always meant a lot to me that he did that. RIP my friend.”
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports broadcast on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
