Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz reportedly died of a drug overdose in Arizona earlier this month.
The player who played for the Baltimore Orioles was found dead in his home by his mother with a white substance in his mouth and drugs next to him on the floor, reported the Baltimore Banner, citing a report from Phoenix police.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Brian Matusz watches from the dugout after being ejected in a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in the sixth inning in Baltimore on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
Matusz's mother, Elizabeth, told authorities that the former athlete struggled with a drug problem and said he had “nothing in me” and “had everything.”
He told police he had been clean for eight months, according to the Baltimore Banner. Two days before his death, on Jan. 4, Matusz was taken to the emergency room for unclear reasons. He was reportedly released that day and advised to seek a mental health professional. He was taken to the center but was not accepted.
He died on Jan. 6.
The Orioles announced Matusz's death last week.
“A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was loved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unparalleled. He gave of his time to connect with any fan he could, was a beloved teammate, and always had a smile on his face. build,” said the group.
YANKEES FANS DISRUPTED BY MOOKIE BET ON CHUNGCHEUNGE BANNED FROM MLB GAMES FOREVER: REPORT
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matusz throws during a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015 in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
“Brian's family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
The Orioles selected the Colorado native in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of the University of San Diego. He made his major league debut in August 2009 against the Detroit Tigers, going five innings with five strikeouts and the win.
He became a full-time starter in 2010 and finished fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting after recording 143 strikeouts and a 10-12 record in 32 starts.
He missed two months of the 2011 regular season, and in 2012, he was demoted to bullpen.
Matusz excelled in his bullpen role, lowering his ERA below 4.00 in the 2013 season. He had a 2.94 ERA in the 2015 season.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matusz, #17, pitches the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore on June 14, 2015. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in May 2016 but did not make any appearances for them. He signed with the Chicago Cubs and appeared in only one game for them as he broke the Curse of the Billy Goat and won the World Series.
Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and register at the Fox News Sports Huddle.
