Good morning Birdland,
Some sad news came across our feeds on Tuesday night. Former Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz has died at the age of 37.
MASN Roch Kubatko was the first to report the news. The Orioles followed shortly after with a social media post honoring Matusz, featuring his work off the field during his time with the O’s.
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… pic.twitter.com/wNN3WkO8l4
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) January 8, 2025
Matusz was also a crucial part of the Orioles teams that brought winning back to Baltimore in the 2010s.
Drafted and developed as a starting pitcher, the southpaw found early success in the rotation, posting a 99 ERA+ over 44.2 innings in 2009 and then a 96 ERA+ in 2010. His performances dipped in 2011 and he was eventually moved to the bullpen in 2012. That’s where he found a long-term role.
As a member of the bullpen down the stretch in ‘12, Matusz had a 1.35 ERA and helped the O’s get to the postseason for the first time since 1997. From 2013 through ‘15, Matusz was a full-time reliever. In that time, he posted a 3.32 ERA and 122 ERA+.
But perhaps what most fans from that era will remember was Matusz’s domination of left-handed hitters, particularly Red Sox slugger and Hall of Famer David Ortiz. A legendary hitter, Ortiz could not figure out Matusz, going 4-for-29 against the AL East foe. That fact will never stop being awesome.
Of course, that’s just who Matusz was on the field. As fans, we do not get to know much about the players outside of the stadium, but you can be sure he made his mark there as well. This news is devastating. Condolences to his family and loved ones.
Links
Quick Q&A with Zach Eflin | Roch Kubatko
The Orioles are very lucky to have Eflin in this moment. He was the best starting pitcher moved at last year’s trade deadline, and he looked great for the Orioles. Right now, the 30-year-old feels like the favorite to pitch Opening Day for the Birds.
You will NEVER guess what they say is the weak spot for the Orioles. (You will actually guess very, very easily.)
Which prospects have the best tools? Front office execs weigh in | MLB.com
A couple of Orioles shoutouts here, including Enrique Bradfield Jr. The 2025 season is going to be big for Bradfield. Is he the O’s centerfielder of the future? If he can add just a tiny bit more power, then it’s no question.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- Breyvic Valera turns 33. A throw-in to the Manny Machado trade with the Dodgers, Valera played in just 12 games for the Orioles in 2018.
- Paul Carey is 57 today. His entire MLB career spanned 18 games with the Orioles in 1993.
- Shane Turner is 62 years old. The utility man played in four games for the Orioles in ‘91.
- The late Willie Tasby (b. 1933, d. 2022) was born on this day. He had a three-season run as an outfielder with the Orioles, from 1958 through ‘60.
- It’s a posthumous birthday for Jim Busby (b. 1927, d. 1996). A defense-first centerfielder, his time with the Orioles was split into two stints, first from 1957-58 and then again from 1960-61.
This day in O’s history
2001 – Former Oriole (and Maryland Eastern Shore native) Harold Baines re-signs with the White Sox on a one-year deal in hopes of reaching 3,000 career hits. He would end up short but get elected to the Hall of Fame years later anyway.
