Why did Brian Matusz leave Orioles? What we know as Former Baltimore Orioles player dies at 37

Brian Matusz, the former pitcher for Baltimore Orioles passed away at the age of 37. The announcement of his death was made public by Roch Kubatko of Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. Matusz wrote:

"Very sad to hear that former #orioles pitcher Brian Matusz passed away this morning. Was 37. 4th-overall pick in 2008 draft."

Brian Matusz played for the Baltimore Orioles from 2009 to 2016, after which, he became a member of the Chicago Cubs. Brian Matusz was banned for eight games for a foreign substance on his arm against Miami Marlins in 2015, USA Today cites. Although he temporarily contested the ban, he was compelled to cease pitching, which was a turning point in his career.

In 2016, the Baltimore Orioles traded Matusz to the Atlanta Braves. However, the Braves immediately designated him for assignment, effectively signaling the end of his tenure with Baltimore. Matusz's most successful pitches to date have been against David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox.

In an interview with MASN Sports, when asked about his trade to the Atlanta Braves, Matusz said:

"I had no idea. It was our off-day on Monday and we were in Houston. My girlfriend and I were at the mall just hanging out. Got a phone call from (executive vice president) Dan Duquette and Dan just said, Brian, we traded your contract over to the Braves. And he was very thankful for the services that were provided in Baltimore. I was excited. I gave my dad a call and told my agent. I actually gave Brady (Anderson) a call."

In the same interview, Brian went on to detail that when he was traded to the Atlanta Braves, the excitement of a new opportunity quickly turned into uncertainty when the team designated him for assignment. The Braves made it clear that the move was primarily a financial decision, not a reflection of his talent.

When asked to speak about his time with the Baltimore Orioles, Brian Matusz told The Baltimore Sun in 2019:

“To be able to be a part of the 2012, 2014 postseason and pitch in the playoffs and be able to contribute really was special. Good memories and great friendships that were made. Those were some great moments in my life personally and in my playing career that I’ll never forget.”

Remembering Brian Matusz

The Baltimore Orioles took to their socials to pay tribute to Brian Matusz.

Brian Matusz was born on February 11, 1987, in Grand Junction, Colorado, and later attended St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona. Choosing to play college baseball, Matusz joined the University of San Diego, where he excelled as a left-handed pitcher over three seasons.

Though drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the fourth round of the 2005 MLB Draft, Matusz opted to continue his education. In 2008, after a stellar college career, where he was named West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year, he was selected fourth overall by the Baltimore Orioles.

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Matusz made his MLB debut in 2009 and after struggling with injuries in 2011, he transitioned to a bullpen role in 2012, where he spent the remainder of his career.

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