Police investigating death of longtime Baltimore Orioles pitcher

According to the medical examiner, the cause and manner of death have yet to be determined

Published Jan 09, 2025  •  2 minute read

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz throws during a game against the Seattle Mariners in 2015. AP Photo

Phoenix police are investigating the death of former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz, who died on Monday at the age of 37.

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In a statement to a local NBC affiliate, police confirmed that there is an investigation into Matusz’s sudden death.

“I can confirm we responded to a dead body call at a home near 44th Street and Campbell Avenue” at about 2:45 p.m. local time on Monday, Phoenix Police Sgt. Phil Krynsky told NBC News.

“The deceased person found was indeed 37-year-old Brian Matusz. Currently, this incident is being handled as a death investigation.”

According to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, the cause and manner of death have yet to be determined.

The lefty, who began his career as a starting pitcher before becoming a specialist out of the bullpen, made 280 career appearances — all but one for the Orioles.

The team made a heartfelt tribute late Tuesday on social media to their longtime clubhouse stalwart.

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“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole Brian Matusz,” the team wrote on X.

“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.

“Brian’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”

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Adam Jones, an Orioles great and longtime teammate of Matusz, also posted a tribute on social media.

“Wow. Just wow,” Jones posted on X. “RIP to a good friend and teammate. We had some amazing times on and off the field. Rest easy my friend. Wow.”

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Matusz, who was born in Grand Junction, Col., originally was drafted out of high school in the fourth round of the 2005 draft by the Angels but opted to attend the University of San Diego. He boosted his stock there, becoming the fourth overall pick of the 2008 draft by the Orioles.

After less than a full season in the minors, Matusz made his major-league debut on Aug. 4, 2009.

He made a career-high 32 starts in 2010, finishing fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.

After an ineffective 2011 season and poor start to 2012, he was shifted to the bullpen, where he regained his footing.

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In each season from 2013 to 2015, he appeared in at least 58 games and lowered his ERA each year until hitting a career-best 2.94 in 2015.

After making seven appearances for the O’s in 2016, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves, who released him. Matusz later signed with the Chicago Cubs, making just one MLB appearance — which turned out to be the last of his career — for the eventual World Series champions.

More recently, Matusz served as a bullpen coach for New Zealand at the 2022 World Baseball Classic.

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