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Former Major League Baseball pitcher Brian Matusz has died at the age of 37, according to MLB.com.
Matusz was selected by the Baltimore Orioles at No. 4 overall in the 2008 MLB Draft and appeared in 279 games for the team, which included making 68 starts, from 2009 to 2016, with his only appearance for another MLB coming as a member of the eventual World Series champion Chicago Cubs in a three-inning start on July 31, 2016.
"Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz," the Orioles wrote in a post shared on their X account Tuesday (January 7) night. "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."
No cause of death was given as of Tuesday night. Matusz finished his MLB career with a 27-41 record, 4.92 ERA and 462 strikeouts.
The Colorado native played college baseball for the San Diego Toreros and was named West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year, as well as being a finalist for the Roger Clemens Award, given to college baseball's pitcher of the year in 2008. Matusz also earned a silver medal pitching for the United States in the 2007 Rio de Janeiro Pan American Games.