Former Major League Baseball pitcher and first-round draft pick Brian Matusz has died at the age of 37.
The shock news was revealed by the league on Tuesday evening, and tributes immediately began pouring in for the ex-Orioles and Cubs star.
Matusz was drafted No 4 overall by the Orioles in 2008 and went on to play for the team for seven years.
In 2016 he moved on to the Chicago Cubs, before finishing his career in the Mexican league and then with the Long Island Ducks in the ALPB in 2019.
Most recently, he was on the coaching staff of Baseball New Zealand for the World Baseball Classic, operating at the team’s Bullpen Coach in 2022.
In a statement on social media, MLB said: ‘We are devastated to learn of the passing of former Major League pitcher Brian Matusz.’
Brian Matusz pitches for the Baltimore Orioles against the Chicago White Sox in May 2016
In 2022, he was Bullpen Coach for New Zealand at the World Baseball Classic in Panama City
After Baltimore, Matusz moved on to Chicago where he played for the Cubs for a season
The Orioles shared an image on X of Matusz visiting sick children in hospital in Baltimore
The Orioles, meanwhile, also shared their own tribute, writing: ‘Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz.
‘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.’
No cause of death has yet been announced.
Matusz pitched in 280 regular-season games during his career, and was a crucial part of Buck Showalter’s bullpens.
He is fondly remembered in Baltimore for his battles with David Ortiz, holding the Red Sox legend to a .138 average and .408 OPS.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk