The Braves signed left-hander Tyler Matzek to a minor league contract on August 31, according to the veteran reliever’s MLB.com profile page. Matzek was assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett today. In signing prior to September 1, Matzek would be eligible for the Braves’ postseason roster.
Matzek is of course no stranger to playoff baseball in Atlanta, as he was a key member of the Braves’ bullpen during their World Series championship run in 2021. He posted more solid numbers during the 2022 campaign but missed out on another playoff run due to a Tommy John surgery in October of that year. After missing the entire 2023 season rehabbing from the surgery, Matzek returned to action this year, but had a 9.90 ERA over 10 Major League innings for the Braves.
A bout of elbow inflammation sent Matzek to the injured list in May, and he hasn’t since pitched in the big leagues. Atlanta traded Matzek to the Giants as part of the Jorge Soler deal at the deadline, and Matzek pitched in five games with the Giants’ Triple-A squad before San Francisco released the southpaw earlier this week.
Matzek now returns to the Braves organization after just over a month away, and he’ll likely continue to work things out in Gwinnett to see if he can find his old form. His brief time at Triple-A Sacramento didn’t bear much fruit, as Matzek had a 5.79 ERA over the small sample size of 4 2/3 innings pitched. The Braves have a penchant for reuniting with former players and there’s no risk in adding Matzek to the Triple-A roster, plus Atlanta is already on the hook anyway for the remainder of his $1.9MM salary for the 2024 season.
Fortunately, he can afford to buy back that ATL-area home he sold 2 months ago, that now has appreciated $200K.
His agent is brilliant
He’ll probably just be outrighted in the offseason. He’s better off renting.
He’s not on the 40 man, so he’ll have to be tendered. Outrighting isn’t even possible unless he gets put back on the 40 man.
Yeah, you’re right–the likelihood that he is outrighted instead of released (or simply not re-signed, depending on the terms of this minor league pact) is pretty slim. Although I do think he will be added to the big league roster for the stretch run to see if he’s a viable option in the playoffs. But even so, probably not outrighted afterward.
My point, though, is that I don’t think selling his house was a bad decision because I doubt his second tenure in Atlanta lasts long.
No wonder Segura struggled, he hadn’t seen the majors in over 1,800 years.
“This marked Segura’s first game action of any kind since his last game as a member of the Marlins on July 31, 203.“
Doh, wrong thread
That z1900 years really slows down bat speed
Hopefully, the Braves can split with Corked bats Phils in their little league stadium tonight.
Somebody sounds cranky. Do you get your nap this afternoon?
BIG SURPRISE WHO WOULDVE GUESSED
What’s with AA and getting former players back???
Somehow that trade looks better for the Giants with each passing day.
Wow.I’m no Bauer fan, but he just pulled a Kirk Gibson
Did anyone not know this was going to happen?
Are the Braves suddenly only capable of acquiring players from their previous World Series run??
Farhan works trade magic — poof and he is back to his old team.
If the Braves traded Matzek to the Giants, why would they be on the hook for the remainder of his salary prior to re-signing him? Was that part of the SF deal? Wasn’t mentioned.