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Autopsy Reveals Former Red Sox Pitcher’s Cause of Tragic Death

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated May 13, 2025 8:09 AM ET

The baseball world spent the early days of spring training mourning longtime pitcher Scott Sauerbeck, who suddenly passed away in February.

It was reported at the time that Sauerbeck, 53, suffered a heart attack. TMZ Sports obtained the autopsy and shared that Sauerbeck died from complications of the flu, specifically “sequela of acute influenza A, including streptococcal pharyngitis.”

TMZ added that hypertensive heart disease “was listed as a contributing factor” in Sauerbeck’s death. The seven-year MLB veteran had no substances in his system, according to a toxicology report.

A 1994 27th-round pick of the New York Mets, Sauerbeck went 20-17 with a 3.82 ERA from 1999-2006. He pitched for four teams, even pitching in the 2003 ALCS for the Boston Red Sox.

However, Sauerbeck spent most of his career with the Pirates, posting a 3.56 ERA and 319-191 K-BB ratio across 308.2 innings. Despite not debuting until his age-27 season, Sauerbeck’s 341 appearances remain tied for the most of any Pirates left-handed pitcher.

A 6-foot-3, 190-pound lefty from Ohio, Sauerbeck also pitched for the Cleveland Guardians and Oakland Athletics. He traditionally worked as a LOOGY (Left-handed One Out Guy), averaging 45 innings over 65 games in his final four seasons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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