Former MLB Pitcher Who Was Briefly on 2016 Cubs Passes Away at 37

Tragic news surfaced in the baseball world as former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz passed away at the age of 37. Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com reported the death on Tuesday. Cubs fans will remember Matusz from his brief time on the 2016 team. The left-handed pitcher made one appearance with the Cubs, starting on Sunday Night Baseball against the Seattle Mariners on July 31, 2016, which has since been fondly remembered as the Brian Matusz game.

As it turned out, his start with the Cubs in 2016, was the left-hander's final appearance in MLB. Matusz pitched in the majors from 2008-2016.

Very sad to hear that former #orioles pitcher Brian Matusz passed away this morning. Was 37. 4th-overall pick in 2008 draft.

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) January 8, 2025

Matusz was drafted fourth overall by the Baltimore Orioles in 2008, after a great college career at the University of San Diego. The lefty made his MLB debut during the 2009 season and in 2010 Matusz finished fifth in American League Rookie of the Year voting after posting a 4.30 ERA in 32 starts with the Orioles.

The Orioles eventually moved Matusz to the bullpen following a couple down years in the rotation and he responded by giving Baltimore three very good seasons as a reliever. From 2013-15, Matusz pitched to a 3.32 ERA, making at least 58 appearances in each of those three years.

In 2016, the Orioles traded Matusz to the Atlanta Braves, who released him shortly after. The Cubs eventually signed Matusz to a minor league deal and called him up to fill in as an emergency starter at the end of July.

Including the comeback victory over the Mariners in Matusz's lone start with the Cubs, the team won 11 in a row beginning with his appearance.

Good morning. In case you missed it, last night was pretty awesome.

July 31, 2016 - The Comeback #Cubs pic.twitter.com/75PjvejJEj

— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) August 1, 2016

Unfortunately Matusz had a poor showing in that game and was DFA'd by the Cubs. He cleared waivers and ended the season pitching at Triple-A for the Iowa Cubs. Despite only pitching in one game for the 2016 team, Matusz was given a World Series ring.

Matusz finished his professional baseball career with a stint at Triple-A with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017, as well as time in Mexico and in the Atlantic League in 2019.

By all accounts Matusz was a great human being to his teammates and fans. Only 37-years-old, such sad news for his loved ones.