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The Orioles and the University of San Diego
announced Matusz’s death Tuesday night, with USD saying it
received word from Matusz’s family. They did not announce a
cause of death, though it happened in Arizona.
The Phoenix police department confirmed on Wednesday night that
it responded to a dead body call at 2:45 p.m. on Monday and
found Matusz. The department said the incident is being handled
as a death investigation and the case is pending findings by a
medical examiner.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former
Oriole Brian Matusz,” the Orioles said. “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."
The Orioles drafted Matusz with the fourth overall pick in 2008
out of San Diego.
“Brian was one of the best players to ever wear a Torero
uniform,” San Diego coach Brock Ungricht said. “His dedication
to the USD community and passion for the game of baseball were
evident to all who knew him. Brian’s unexpected passing leaves a
void in our hearts, but his legacy will continue to inspire us,
both on and off the field. We will forever be grateful for his
friendship and unwavering support of San Diego baseball."
Matusz made his major league debut in 2009 and was a starter
until shifting to the bullpen down the stretch in 2012. That was
the season Baltimore earned a wild card for its first postseason
appearance in 15 years.
In 2014, Matusz went 2-3 with a 3.48 ERA in 63 relief
appearances as the Orioles won the AL East.
Baltimore traded Matusz to Atlanta early in the 2016 season, and
he eventually caught on with the Chicago Cubs, making one start
for them that year in what would be his final big league
appearance.
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