The Cardinals introduced that they’ve signed left-hander Tyler Matzek to a minor league deal. He has been assigned to Triple-A Memphis and can present the membership with some non-roster bullpen depth.
Matzek, 34, began the yr with the Yankees on a minor league deal. He was known as as much as the large leagues on April twenty second and lasted nearly a month earlier than being designated for project on Might sixteenth. He tossed 6 1/3 innings over seven appearances, placing out seven opponents whereas giving out 5 walks and permitting 11 hits, which resulted in three earned runs. After being bumped from the roster, he cleared waivers and elected free company. After a few weeks on the open market, he has landed with a brand new group.
The lefty has some good seasons on his monitor file however hasn’t been in a position to do a lot in recent times. From 2020 to 2022, he logged 135 2/3 innings with Atlanta, posting a 2.92 earned run common in that point. His 13.4% stroll price was fairly excessive however he additionally struck out 27.4% of batters confronted. He earned one save and 33 holds over that span.
In October of 2022, he required Tommy John surgical procedure. That put him on ice by way of the complete 2023 season. He was again within the combine final yr nevertheless it turned out to be one other difficult season. By early Might, he allowed 11 earned runs in 10 innings for Atlanta. He then landed on the IL on account of elbow irritation. Whereas nonetheless on the IL, he was traded to the Giants as wage ballast within the Jorge Soler deal. The Giants launched him in August and he returned to Atlanta on a minor league deal however didn’t get again to the majors.
Put all of it collectively and Matzek has solely 16 1/3 large league innings because the finish of the 2022 season. Regardless, he has some previous main league success and there’s no hurt for the Playing cards in including some non-roster depth. They at present have Steven Matz, JoJo Romero and John King because the left-handed contingent of their large league bullpen however pitching accidents are pretty inevitable for all groups. The Playing cards will get a close-up have a look at Matzek in Memphis as he tries to earn his approach again to the majors.
Picture courtesy of Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Photographs
