After missing the entire 2023 season while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, Atlanta Braves’ reliever Tyler Matzek is expected to be full-go for the 2024 season.
That would be a big boost for the Braves bullpen as they look to rebound from a disappointing end to the 2023 season. Atlanta won the most games in baseball (104) this year but was beaten by the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS in four games.
Matzek is 32-years-old and owns a career 16-21 record and a 3.50 ERA. He was an integral part of the Braves’ 2021 World Series run, pitching in 69 games that season.
The lefty has an ERA of 1.48 in 20 career postseason games. He’s struck out 38 batters in 24.1 playoff innings.
It will be a long offseason for the Braves as they grapple this year’s playoff failure, but they still figure to be a very strong contender in 2024. They have Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies under team control for years to come and also feature an ace starter in Spencer Strider.
In addition to Matzek, former top prospect Ian Anderson figures to return midway through 2024 from his own Tommy John surgery, adding more depth to the pitching staff.
The NLCS featuring the Phillies and Diamondbacks begins on Monday night. First pitch is set for 8:07 p.m. ET.
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