History of Brian Matusz in Timeline
Brian Matusz was a left-handed pitcher who played Major League Baseball for the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago Cubs. The Orioles selected him fourth overall in the 2008 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut on August 4, 2009, against the Detroit Tigers and quickly became a key part of the Orioles starting rotation, going 10-12 in his rookie season. Despite showing early promise, injuries hampered his career. Matusz struggled with inconsistency and command issues, eventually being moved to the bullpen and spending time in the minor leagues. He was released by the Orioles in 2016 and signed with the Cubs. Matusz officially retired from baseball on February 15, 2017.
February 11, 1987: Birth of Brian Matusz
Brian Robert Matusz was born on February 11, 1987.
2005: High School Graduation and College Enrollment
In 2005, Matusz graduated from St. Mary's High School and enrolled at the University of San Diego.
August 15, 2008: Signing with the Orioles
Brian Matusz signed with the Baltimore Orioles on August 15, 2008, after being drafted in the first round.
2008: West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year
In 2008, Brian Matusz was named the West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year and was a finalist for the Roger Clemens Award.
June 2009: Promotion to Double-A
In June 2009, Matusz was promoted to Double-A Bowie Baysox, striking out 10 batters in his first start.
August 4, 2009: MLB Debut
Brian Matusz made his MLB debut on August 4, 2009, against the Detroit Tigers, earning a win.
2009: MLB Debut
Brian Matusz made his Major League Baseball debut in 2009 with the Baltimore Orioles.
2010: Top Prospect Recognition
Before the 2010 season, Matusz was ranked as a top prospect by Baseball America.
2010: All-Rookie Team Selection
Matusz was named to Baseball America's 2010 All-Rookie Team.
2011: Injury and Demotion
Matusz missed the beginning of the 2011 season due to injury, struggled upon returning, and was demoted to Triple-A.
2012: Solely as Reliever
Since 2012, Matusz was employed solely as a reliever until the Cubs tried him as a starter again in the minors.
2012: Move to Bullpen and Injury
In 2012, Matusz transitioned to the bullpen, where he performed well but played through a rectus abdominis tear.
2013: Full-Time Reliever
Matusz became a full-time reliever in 2013, appearing in 65 games.
May 23, 2015: Ejection and Suspension
On May 23, 2015, Matusz was ejected and subsequently suspended for using a foreign substance on his forearm.
February 4, 2016: Agreement with Orioles
On February 4, 2016, Matusz and the Orioles agreed to a one-year contract.
June 15, 2016: Signing with the Cubs
Matusz signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on June 15, 2016.
July 30, 2016: Call-up and DFA by Cubs
The Cubs called up Matusz on July 30, 2016, but designated him for assignment shortly after.
2016: Final MLB Season
Brian Matusz played his final MLB season in 2016, appearing for both the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs.
February 13, 2017: Signing with Diamondbacks
Matusz signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks on February 13, 2017.
July 23, 2019: Signing with Acereros de Monclova
On July 23, 2019, Matusz signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.
August 2, 2019: Signing with Long Island Ducks
On August 2, 2019, Brian Matusz signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.
January 7, 2025: Death of Brian Matusz
Brian Robert Matusz passed away on January 7, 2025.