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Former MLB Pitcher Brian Matusz's Cause Of Death Revealed

New York Mets v Baltimore Orioles

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Former Major League Baseball pitcher Brian Matusz reportedly died of a drug overdose, according to a police reported obtained by the Baltimore Banner last week.

Matusz, 37, was reportedly found dead by his mother, Elizabeth, in his home on January 6 with a white substance in his mouth and drug paraphernalia located on the floor next to him. Elizabeth told authorities that her son had a history of drug abuse and had recently said something along the lines of "there is nothing left for me."

Elizabeth reportedly took Brian to the emergency room two days prior to his death and he was advised to seek help from a mental health professional, though the reason for the visit was redacted from the police report, according to the Baltimore Banner. Elizabeth reportedly took Brian to the Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale on January 4, however, he was not admitted, the police report states.

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 on January 7. "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."

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.