The Phoenix Police Department stated that Matusz was found dead in his home by his mother on January 6th with drug paraphernalia. His mother claimed that she went to the house after not being able to reach Matusz.
The Orioles drafted Matusz with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft and spent eight years with the team before retiring after the 2016 season.
Orioles fans took to social media to talk about Matusz and the impact he left on the Orioles fanbase and community.
Matusz was part of the 2007 USA Baseball National Team and led all of college baseball in strikeouts just one year later, earning him the Golden Spikes Award (best amateur baseball player). He made his debut with the Orioles in 2009.
The successful lefty who had a career ERA of 4.92 was a major part of the Orioles' bullpen during their potential 2014 World Series run in which they ultimately lost to the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship.
His 3.48 ERA that year was one of the best on the entire team which came before a 2015 season in which he put up career numbers.
Matusz threw a 2.94 ERA in what was his final, full season in 2015 for the Orioles. His 56 strikeouts that season were also a career-high as a relief pitcher, where he found much more success.
He ended up being part of MLB history when he was on the famous 2016 Chicago Cubs team that broke their 108-year ringless curse by beating the Cleveland Indians in the World Series.
Matusz ended his career on the highest note possible - a World Series champion.
All of us at Flashcore offer our sincerest condolences to Matusz's family and friends during this difficult time.