Former Top-5 MLB Draft Pick’s Likely Cause Of Death Revealed

Brian Matusz, a former top-5 MLB draft pick, likely died of a drug overdose, according to a police report obtained by The Baltimore Banner.

Matusz, 37, was found deceased in his Arizona home earlier this month.

His mother found him dead inside the home lying on a couch with a white substance in his mouth, the outlet noted.

Brian Matusz, 37, a former first-round draft pick who pitched eight seasons for the Orioles, likely died on Jan. 6 of a drug overdose, according to a Phoenix police report. His mother, Elizabeth Matusz, found him with drug paraphernalia on the floor next to his body and a white… pic.twitter.com/4NVlVEqvtV

— The Baltimore Sun (@baltimoresun) January 14, 2025

From The Baltimore Banner:

A lighter, straw and a small square of aluminum foil, paraphernalia sometimes used to inhale drugs such as fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine, were found on the floor near Matusz’s right hand.

There were no apparent injuries, trauma or signs of foul play, police said.

The incident is being handled as a death investigation and Matusz’s remains were recovered by the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, police said. The case is currently sealed. Families can petition the court to seal the report and other records following the investigation, a Maricopa County spokesperson said, and the Office of the Medical Examiner was informed that process has begun. They are awaiting direction from the court.

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According to the report, Elizabeth Matusz told police that her son made comments like “there is nothing left for me” and that he used to “have it all.” On Jan. 4, two days before he was found dead, Elizabeth took her son to the emergency room. The reason for the visit is redacted in the report.

He was discharged later that day and was advised to seek the help of a mental health professional. Elizabeth Matusz brought him to the Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, but he was not admitted.

Brian Matusz, Former Orioles Pitcher, Likely Died from Overdose, Phoenix Police Say: Reports https://t.co/TsjANup0yb

— People (@people) January 14, 2025

Cause of death revealed for former MLB phenom Brian Matusz, 37 https://t.co/2FShGXbtgo pic.twitter.com/bHfzYNUQ6R

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) January 14, 2025

More from the New York Post:

Matusz grew up in the Phoenix area and became a top MLB pitching prospect while starring at the University of San Diego.

The Orioles selected Matusz with the No. 4 pick in the 2008 MLB Draft.

While the lefty showed flashes, he never reached the potential Baltimore saw in him. Over nine seasons, Matusz went 27-41 with a 4.92 ERA.

He last pitched in the major leagues in 2016 with the Cubs.

Matusz made a comeback attempt in 2019 with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.

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Elizabeth told police that Matusz had also recently talked about how he used to “have it all.”

Former Oriole Jerry Hairston Jr. had become friends with Matusz after both retired and lived in Arizona.

Hairston had talked to the Banner about the challenges of facing life post-retirement, especially at a young age like Matusz was doing.

“It’s so hard for players,” Hairston told the paper before the cause of death was known. “I don’t care who you are and I don’t care how much money you have, when you are so used to having a schedule all your life since you were 8, 9, 10 years old playing baseball and then it just abruptly ends, you are trying to figure out what is your purpose in life.

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

View the original article here.