Former Orioles Pitcher Brian Matusz Passes Away at 37
Brian Matusz, the Baltimore Orioles' No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft and a staple of their roster for nearly a decade, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 37.
Matusz spent the bulk of his eight-year MLB career with the Orioles, appearing in 279 games and making 68 starts. His only other major league appearance was a three-inning start for the Chicago Cubs on July 31, 2016.
“A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-16, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched,” the Orioles said in a statement. “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 been disclosed.
Matusz transitioned from starter to reliever during his career and became particularly known for his dominance against Hall of Famer David Ortiz, holding him to just 4-for-29 (.138) with 13 strikeouts. He also played a key role for the Orioles in the postseason, pitching in both the 2012 and 2014 playoffs.
In May 2016, the Orioles traded Matusz to the Atlanta Braves, who released him shortly afterward. He signed with the Cubs and spent most of the season in the minors, aside from his lone start. His professional pitching career concluded in 2019.
Matusz initially declined an opportunity to join the MLB in 2005 when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the fourth round, opting instead to play college baseball at the University of San Diego. There, he became a standout player, earning West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year honors and becoming a two-time finalist for the Golden Spikes Award. He left the university as its all-time leader in strikeouts with 396.
Matusz would have turned 38 on February 11, 2025.
Justin Verlander Signs One-Year Deal with Giants
Future Hall of Fame pitcher Justin Verlander has agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, sources revealed on Tuesday. The deal, pending a physical, marks Verlander’s 20th MLB season and his first with the Giants, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 campaign.
Verlander, 42, is regarded as one of the best pitchers of his generation, leading active players in innings pitched, strikeouts, and wins. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, he joins a Giants rotation that includes Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Kyle Harrison.
Despite his accolades, Verlander is coming off the worst season of his career, plagued by shoulder and neck injuries that limited him to 17 starts with an 8.10 ERA over his final seven outings. The Giants, however, are optimistic that the pitcher-friendly confines of Oracle Park can help him bounce back.
Verlander’s storied career includes a 262-147 record, a 3.30 ERA, 3,416 strikeouts, and two World Series titles with the Houston Astros. After 13 years with the Detroit Tigers, Verlander revitalized his career in Houston, winning Cy Young Awards in 2019 and 2022 before signing a two-year, $86.6 million deal with the New York Mets in 2023.
The Giants, who recently signed shortstop Willy Adames to a seven-year, $182 million deal, are seeking to improve on their 80-82 record from last season under the leadership of newly appointed president of baseball operations Buster Posey.