Former Orioles and Cubs pitcher Brian Matusz likely died from a drug overdose, according to a police report.
The Phoenix Police Department, in a report obtained by the Baltimore Banner, said Matusz was found dead in his Arizona home on Jan. 6 by his mother, who had come to check on him. The report says Matusz’s body was found on a couch in an upstairs loft with a white substance in his mouth and drug paraphernalia on the floor nearby.
The Orioles announced the death of the former No. 4 overall pick on Jan. 7 at the age of 37.
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Brian Matusz, former Orioles and Cubs pitcher, dies at 37
“A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched,” the Orioles said in a statement.
He began his career in Baltimore as a starter before transitioning into a bullpen role during the 2012 season. He found success in the pen, where he remained until he was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2016. He was released and signed with the Cubs, where he made one last MLB appearance — a start — on July 31, 2016.
A standout collegiate pitcher at the University of San Diego, Matusz was selected fourth in the 2008 MLB draft behind Tim Beckham (Rays), Pedro Alvarez (Pirates) and Eric Hosmer (Royals).
He reached the majors the following year and made 32 starts for Baltimore in 2010, finishing fifth in the AL rookie of the year balloting.
He began his career in Baltimore as a starter before transitioning into a bullpen role during the 2012 season. He found success in the pen, where he remained until he was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2016. He was released and signed with the Cubs, where he made one last MLB appearance — a start — on July 31, 2016.
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