How did Brian Matusz die? Police report on death of ex-Orioles & Cubs pitcher released

On January 6, 2025, former Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs pitcher Brian Matusz died at the age of 37. The Phoenix-native played for eight seasons between the majors and the minors.

In a recent development, the Phoenix Police Department declared that Matusz died due to a suspected drug overdose. The late hurler was found dead by his mother, Elizabeth, in his home with substances next to him.

Matusz reportedly had a history of substance abuse issues and foul play has been ruled out as the cause of his death. It was also published in the report of the Baltimore Banner that he was encouraged to seek mental help as he was rushed to the emergency room just two days before his untimely passing.

Brian Matusz's MLB career

Brian Matusz established a solid career at the University of San Diego and was regarded as one of the highly-touted prospects in the 2008 MLB Draft. In that year's draft class, he was chosen fourth overall by the Baltimore Orioles.

After going through Single-A and Double-A, the lanky pitcher made his major league debut for the O's on August 4, 2009 in which he recorded his first victory.

Matusz would finish his debut year with a 5-2 record and a 4.63 ERA across 44 and 2/3 innings. He would then follow up his respectable debut campaign with his best year as a starter in 2010. The lefty started 32 games for the Orioles and tallied a 10-12 record with a 4.30 ERA and 143 strikeouts.

After struggling on the mound in 2011 with a 1-9 record and 10.69 ERA, Brian Matusz would share time between the majors and the minor leagues. The following year, he was utilized as a starter and a reliever before he finally settled as a bullpen arm in 2013.

He would prolong his career in the major leagues by being a constant bullpen presence with the Orioles before being let go at the start of the 2016 campaign.

He signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs the same year and made a sole start for the team. For his sole appearance, he would be awarded a World Series ring by the all-conquering Cubs team of 2016. He signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks in February 2017 but was released in May after 11 games for the Triple–A Reno Aces.