BALTIMORE>> Brian Matusz, the left-handed pitcher who spent eight seasons in the major leagues, mostly with the Baltimore Orioles as they returned to prominence a decade ago, has died in Phoenix. He was 37.

The Orioles and the University of San Diego announced Matusz’s death Tuesday night, with USD saying it received word from Matusz’s family. They did not announce a cause of death.

“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole Brian Matusz,” the Orioles said. “A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched. ”

The Orioles drafted Matusz with the fourth overall pick in 2008. The Grand Junction native and University of San Diego standout was a highly touted prospect before his MLB debut in 2009. He had a breakout rookie campaign in 2010, finishing fifth in American League Rookie of the Year voting after posting a 4.30 ERA in 175 2/3 innings.

Matusz was a starter until shifting to the bullpen down the stretch in 2012. That was the season Baltimore earned a wild card for its first postseason appearance in 15 years.

In 2014, Matusz went 2-3 with a 3.48 ERA in 63 relief appearances as the Orioles won the AL East.

He later played for the Braves and Cubs.