Oakland Athletics minor leaguer Sean Murphy died unexpectedly on Monday, the club announced.
The 27-year-old pitcher spent six seasons in Oakland's minor-league system after being drafted in the 33rd round in 2010 out of Keystone College in Pennsylvania. He showed the most promise in 2013, going 10-9 with a 3.94 ERA.
He worked his way up to Triple-A in 2014, but didn't pitch well and things got tough from there. Murphy was sent back down, eventually settling in Double-A. In September of that season, he needed Tommy John surgery. He then missed all of 2015 while rehabbing his elbow. In February, Murphy was suspended by Major League Baseball for 50 games following a second positive drug test. It wasn't a performance-enhancing drug, rather what MLB deems a "drug of abuse." That list includes marijuana, cocaine and opiates such as oxycodone, heroin and codeine.
No cause of death has been announced. The A's only said he died unexpectedly. Here's their full statement:
Sean Murphy, who played six seasons in the Oakland A’s farm system, passed away unexpectedly on Monday in Arizona. He was 27 years old.
“The A’s are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Sean Murphy,” said Billy Beane, executive vice president of baseball operations for the Oakland Athletics. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Murphy was selected by the A’s in the 33rd round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft. He compiled a 32-32 record and a 4.26 ERA in 105 games, including 81 starts, in six seasons in the A’s farm system. Murphy missed the entire 2015 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Sept. 26, 2014. He won 11 games in 2012 and 10 games in 2013 and reached as high as Triple-A in 2014 when he made seven starts for Sacramento.
Ex-teammates shared their condolences on Twitter as well.
 | @VinnyChoice | |||||||||||||
Sad to hear about the passing of an old teammate in Sean Murphy. It was a pleasure knowing you Rest In Peace Murph.
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Twenty-seven is far too young.
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