In a move that brings back a familiar face, the Atlanta Braves have officially signed 33-year-old pitcher Tyler Matzek to a minor league contract as of August 31. Matzek, a key figure in the Braves’ 2021 World Series-winning bullpen, has been assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett and remains eligible for Atlanta’s postseason roster if needed.
Matzek’s journey has been filled with highs and lows. After battling elbow inflammation earlier this season, he was placed on the injured list in May and has not pitched in the majors since. Following his recovery, Matzek was traded to the San Francisco Giants as part of the deal for Jorge Soler, but he struggled during his short stint with the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, posting a 5.79 ERA over 4.2 innings. This led to his release by the Giants earlier last week.
The Braves’ decision to re-sign Matzek is seen as a strategic move to bolster their pitching depth as they navigate a season marked by several key injuries. Despite his recent struggles, Matzek’s past performances, including his crucial role during the 2021 postseason, make him a valuable asset to have in reserve.
Matzek, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2022, missed the entire 2023 season while rehabbing. Upon his return this year, he posted a challenging 9.90 ERA over 10 innings for the Braves before being traded. While his best years may be behind him, the Braves hope that stashing him in Triple-A could provide them with a reliable option if needed during the postseason push.
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