Ex-MLB pitcher Brian Matusz died of an apparent overdose

Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz – best known for his years on the mound with the Baltimore Orioles – died of an apparent overdose… TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Our sources tell us that Matusz was found dead at his home in Phoenix, Arizona on January 6… with a white substance around his mouth and drug paraphernalia – including a straw, lighter and aluminum foil – near his right hand.

We were told it was Matusz’s mother, Elizabethwho discovered him… after she started to worry about him because of the comments he made about feeling like he had nothing left to live for.

Our sources say Matusz had a history of substance abuse… although he had recently gotten clean.

Matusz – the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft – pitched in the MLB from 2009 through 2016, logging playing time with the Orioles and Cubs. He had signed with the Diamondbacks in 2017 but was released a short time later.

Matusz’s dead rocked the baseball world… with the Orioles saying in a statement: “Brian was loved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unparalleled. He dedicated his time to connecting with every fan he could , was a beloved teammate, and always had a smile on his face.”

Matusz was only 37 years old.