Former MLB pitcher Brian Matus reportedly died of a drug overdose in Arizona earlier this month.
The former Baltimore Orioles player was found dead in his home when his mother found a white substance in his mouth and drug paraphernalia on the floor nearby, The Baltimore Standard reported, citing a Phoenix police report.
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Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Brian Matusz watches from the dugout after being pulled in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Baltimore on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
Matus’ mother, Elizabeth, told authorities the former athlete was struggling with a drug problem and made comments such as “I have nothing left” when he “used to have everything.”
She told police he had not been sick for eight months, according to the Baltimore Standard. Two days before his death, on January 4, Matus was taken to the emergency room for unknown reasons. He was reportedly discharged from the hospital the same day and advised to seek help from a mental health professional. He was taken to a facility but was not admitted.
He died on January 6.
The Orioles announced Matus’ death last week.
“Brian was a staple in our clubhouse from 2009 to 2016. He was beloved throughout Birdland and his passion for baseball and our community was unparalleled. He was committed to connecting with all fans and was a A teammate to cherish and always smiling.
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Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matusz pitches during a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle on Tuesday, August 11, 2015. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Orioles selected the Colorado native in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of the University of San Diego. He made his major league debut in August 2009 against the Detroit Tigers, striking out five in five innings and earning the victory.
In 2010, he became a full-time starter and compiled a 10-12 record with 143 strikeouts in 32 starts, finishing fifth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
He missed two months of the regular season in 2011, and by 2012, he was relegated to the bullpen.
Matus excelled in the bullpen, dropping his ERA below 4.00 during the 2013 season. He had a 2.94 ERA in the 2015 season.
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Baltimore Orioles reliever Brian Matusz, No. 17, pitches during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 14, 2015. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in May 2016, but never played for the team. He signed with the Chicago Cubs and played just one game for them, helping them break the Billy Goat Curse and win the World Series.
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