Tyler Matzek’s stint with the New York Yankees has come to an abrupt end. Rather than accept a designation for assignment, Matzek chose free agency on Monday. In seven outings this season, he posted a 4.26 ERA a fairly average performance but his inflated 2.526 WHIP likely raised red flags for the Yankees, leading them to move on.
Now that he’s back on the market, there’s buzz around whether the Atlanta Braves where Matzek had his most memorable success might bring him back. After starting his career with the Colorado Rockies, Matzek found new life as a key bullpen arm in Atlanta. His performance during the Braves’ 2021 World Series run, especially against the Dodgers, was vital.
At 34 and just two years removed from a significant injury, Matzek’s last season with the Braves wasn’t pretty he struggled mightily, posting an ERA close to 10.0. However, now that he’s shown some signs of recovery, Atlanta might want to take a low-risk chance on him. If not, a team like the Dodgers could scoop him up, which would be a tough pill for Braves fans to swallow.
With the Yankees parting ways with him, it likely won’t be long before another team gives Matzek a shot.
Atlanta could benefit from someone like Matzek, especially with their bullpen still underperforming and Craig Kimbrel not yet recalled. The Braves’ postseason hopes hinge on their ability to shore up the bullpen, which remains their biggest vulnerability. Strengthening that area could have a cascading effect on the entire team’s success.
Interestingly, the bullpen’s struggles have inadvertently tested and potentially strengthened the lineup’s ability to deliver in high-pressure scenarios. These early trials might pay dividends in October.
While it’s tempting to hope for a Matzek-Braves reunion, it’s worth noting that both Atlanta and New York let him go for a reason. Securing a spot on a contending roster is never easy, but that’s where Matzek has thrived most. It would be unfortunate if a division rival picked him up and used him against his former teams.
Despite his release, Matzek appears to still have something left in the tank and his MLB journey might not be over yet.
