In a move that has fans scratching their heads and relishing in nostalgia, the Atlanta Braves have brought left-hander Tyler Matzek back into the fold with a minor league contract signed on August 31. According to his MLB.com profile, Matzek has been assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett, and if he can make an impact, he’ll be eligible for the Braves’ postseason roster, thanks to the timing of the signing.
The Reunion
Matzek’s return to Atlanta feels like a plot twist straight out of a baseball drama. He was a pivotal part of the Braves’ bullpen during their thrilling World Series victory in 2021. His performance in 2022 also showed promise, but the narrative took a downturn when he underwent Tommy John surgery in October of that year. The 2023 season was a write-off for Matzek as he focused on rehab, and he struggled upon his return in 2024, posting a dismal 9.90 ERA over just 10 major league innings.
A Brief Hiatus and Return
Matzek’s brief departure from the Braves was marked by a series of unfortunate events. After a bout of elbow inflammation sidelined him in May, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants as part of the Jorge Soler deal. However, his stint with the Giants’ Triple-A squad was less than stellar, culminating in a 5.79 ERA over 4 2/3 innings. The Giants decided to cut ties, and Matzek was released earlier this week.
Back to Atlanta
Now, Matzek is back in Atlanta, where he’ll attempt to rediscover his old form in Gwinnett. The Braves have a knack for recycling former players, and there’s virtually no downside to adding Matzek to the Triple-A roster—especially since the Braves are already committed to the remainder of his $1.9 million salary for the 2024 season.
What’s Next?
For Matzek, it’s a chance to reboot his career and potentially make a postseason impact. For the Braves, it’s a low-risk move that could pay off if Matzek can recapture the form that made him a postseason hero just a couple of years ago.
As the Braves continue their quest for another championship, keeping an eye on Matzek’s progress in Gwinnett could be worth the watch. Will the former World Series hero find his way back to the big leagues, or will this reunion be just another chapter in a season of unexpected twists? Only time will tell.