Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz he 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, Baltimore Banner he reported, citing a Phoenix police report.
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Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Brian Matusz looks on from the field after being ejected in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels 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 made remarks such as “nothing is for me anymore” and that he “used to have everything.”
She told police he had been clean for eight months, reports the Baltimore Banner. Two days before his death, on January 4, Matusz was taken to the emergency room for unknown reasons. He was reportedly discharged that day and advised to seek a mental health professional. He was taken to an institution, but was not admitted.
He died on January 6.
The Orioles announced Matusz’s death last week.
“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.
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 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.
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, lowering his ERA below 4.00 in 2013. He had a 2.94 ERA during the 2015 season.
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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)
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.
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