BREAKING: Should The Yankees Target Tyler Matzek to Fill Lefty Reliever Spot?

Apr 1, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Tyler Matzek (68) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Should the Yankees take a chance on lefty reliever Tyler Matzek who is slated to throw a showcase in front of scouts on Thursday?

With the New York Yankees needing a left-handed reliever for their bullpen, a reunion with Tim Hill makes sense.

But if they don’t bring back Hill, could this veteran lefty be a potential replacement option for the Yankees?

MLB insider Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported on Wednesday that veteran reliever Tyler Matzek will throw a showcase for scouts on Thursday in Irvine, California with hopes that a team across the league will sign him after being limited to just 10 innings across the past two seasons.

Matzek, 34, was sidelined for all of the 2023 season and returned to make just 11 appearances in 2024, allowing 11 earned runs in the process (9.90 ERA).

After beginning the 2022 campaign with a 5.06 ERA, he was placed on the injured list on May 17 with shoulder inflammation and did not return until July 4. Despite making 42 appearances in 2022 going 4-2 with a 3.50 ERA across 43.2 innings, Matzek was left off the NLDS roster for the Braves after experiencing elbow discomfort. He would later need Tommy John Surgery which also kept him out of the entire 2023 season.

Matzek signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants on July 29, 2024. But after posting a 5.79 ERA across three outings for the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats, he was released by the organization on August 30.

The Braves brought back Matzek shortly thereafter, signing him to a minor league on August 31.

Despite his injury history over the last few seasons, Matzek’s career numbers are still impressive and when healthy, he can be a reliable bullpen arm and long reliever as well. He also has experience as a starting pitcher.

Matzek was one of the Braves’ best relievers in 2021, helping them capture their first World Series title since 1995.

In 168 career games (24 starts) pitching for both the Braves and Colorado Rockies, Matzek has gone 16-21 with a 3.72 ERA and has 272 strikeouts across 285.1 innings with a WHIP of 1.36.

With the Yankees bullpen currently having no lefty options for the 2025 season, Matzek could become a candidate if he impresses scouts during his showcase on Thursday.

Signing Matzek would be the type of low-risk, high-reward move New York could certainly make.

As sources told Pat Ragazzo of Yankees On SI, another former Yankee reliever, Lou Trivino, threw a bullpen session in Palm Beach, Fla. in front of scouts on Tuesday. The Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Guardians, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals and Cincinnati Reds were among those in attendance.

Trivino is an additional reunion candidate for the Yankees and scouts were said to have come away impressed with his bullpen session, which saw the righty hit 94 mph on his sinker. Like Matzek, Trivino, 33, has essentially missed the last two years of action due to Tommy John surgery in 2022.

Related Posts

Everything’s on the line in Game 2, and the stakes have never been higher. As the Yankees take on the Mariners, the pitching duel between Max Fried and Logan Gilbert is set to steal the show. With the updated start time and all eyes on T-Mobile Park, fans are in for a thrilling battle.

 Yankees vs Mariners 2026: Final Game Time, Confirmed Pitchers, Latest Lineups & How to Watch Live at T-Mobile Park The spotlight returns to T-Mobile Park on Tuesday night, March 31,…

It wasn’t just about the numbers. Miguel Vargas’ big night against the Marlins was extra special because of what it meant — not only for the White Sox but for him personally. For the first baseman, it was a statement, a breakthrough, and a night that solidified his place in the lineup with a performance that will be remembered for a long time.

The Chicago White Sox secured their first win of the 2026 season, moving to 1-3 as Miguel Vargas powered a decisive victory over the Miami Marlins. His…

It was more than just a contract extension — it was a moment that pulled at the heartstrings. Cubs outfielder Ian Happ couldn’t hold back the emotion as he shared his thoughts on Nico Hoerner’s new deal, a decision that signifies more than just the future of the team. For Happ, it’s a sign of brotherhood, loyalty, and the bond that makes this Cubs team something special.

  The Chіcаgo Cubѕ contіnue ѕhаріng theіr future, аnd іаn Hарр’ѕ reаctіon to Nіco Hoerner’ѕ extenѕіon further ѕhowcаѕeѕ the growіng ѕtаbіlіty wіthіn the orgаnіzаtіon. Moreover, the deаl…

What should’ve been a routine play just turned into a shocking moment. Giancarlo Stanton, known for his power, made an unbelievable baserunning blunder against the Mariners — and now fans are left wondering how a mistake like this even happens at this level. This isn’t just an error… it’s a wake-up call nobody saw coming.

Giancarlo Stanton quickly realized during Monday’s game that he has still the speed of Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton and the New York Yankees faced off on Monday against…

Aѕtroѕ Tаrget Mіke Trout In Bold Rіvаl Trаde

іMаGe: Houѕton аѕtroѕ left fіelder ѕhаy Whіtcomb (10) аnd center fіelder Jаke Meyerѕ (6) аnd rіght fіelder Cаm ѕmіth (11) celebrаte аfter the gаme аgаіnѕt the Loѕ…

Cubѕ outfіelder Iаn Hарр ѕhаreѕ emotіonаl аdmіѕѕіon over Nіco Hoerner’ѕ extenѕіon

  The Chіcаgo Cubѕ contіnue ѕhаріng theіr future, аnd іаn Hарр’ѕ reаctіon to Nіco Hoerner’ѕ extenѕіon further ѕhowcаѕeѕ the growіng ѕtаbіlіty wіthіn the orgаnіzаtіon. Moreover, the deаl…