Before the 2024 season, Braves reliever Tyler Matzek provides an important injury update.
It remains uncertain whether the Atlanta Braves made significant moves during the recent offseason in response to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ active acquisitions. The addition of Chris Sale doesn’t necessarily stabilize the pitching staff, especially considering that more reliable options like Sonny Gray chose to sign with other teams in free agency. Nonetheless, there is one proven game-changer rejoining the Braves: October hero Tyler Matzek is set to return to the bullpen after an extended absence.
Expressing his optimism, the left-handed reliever stated, “I’m feeling really good, especially in the last like week and a half, two weeks. Everything’s clicking, timing’s getting a lot better. Everything feels really, really good.” He continued, “I mean, it felt really good when I shut it down in October (2023, after 12 months of rehab). And coming back, it’s been just how it’s supposed to be.”
Matzek faced limitations due to back and elbow issues in 2022 and missed the entire previous season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, those challenges are now nearly behind him, and he’s participating in spring training without restrictions. Assuming the former first-round draft pick (Colorado Rockies) progresses without setbacks, he’s expected to be on the Braves’ Opening Day roster.
This positive development should energize the Atlanta fan base, which has witnessed their team’s early postseason exits in two consecutive years. While a healthy Tyler Matzek alone may not have been sufficient to change that outcome, his impact remains etched in Braves history. The 33-year-old boasts an impressive 1.48 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 20 playoff appearances spanning 2020 and 2021, playing a pivotal role in the team’s successful World Series campaign.
