Tyler Matzek DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The New York Yankees announced on Tuesday that they signed left-hander Tyler Matzek to a major-league contract and selected him to their active roster and designated right-hander Yoendrys Gomez for assignment in a corresponding move. The Yankees signed Matzek to a minor-league deal back in February, but now he'll join their big-league bullpen for the time being. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw began the season in the minors due to an oblique injury that he suffered in spring training in March, but now he's past the issue and will provide New York with a lefty arm out of their 'pen. In 5 2/3 relief innings for Single-A Tampa and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this year, he gave up two earned runs while walking two and striking out seven. Matzek has a 3.72 career ERA, 1.36 WHIP and just one save in his six major-league seasons.

New York Yankees left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek (oblique) was activated off the 7-day injured list on Wednesday. The southpaw was sidelined with an oblique injury since March. He took the mound during Wednesday's contest and logged two innings of two-hit ball. He struck out three batters and did not allow a run. Matzek signed a minor league contract with the Yankees during the winter. Matzek was an effective reliever during Atlanta's World Series run, but had not enjoyed similar production over the past two seasons as he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023. In 2024, Matzek logged 10 innings in the big leagues and allowed 11 earned runs. If the 34-year-old can continue to impress with Triple-A, he could make a push to the Bronx later this month.

New York Yankees relief pitcher Tyler Matzek (oblique) is scheduled to take the mound for a bullpen session on Thursday. Matzek has been dealing with an oblique strain since early in camp. He has resumed his throwing program, but could see begin the regular season on the injured list. The southpaw is likely going to need to throw a few bullpen sessions before he's ready for game action again. The 34-year-old was awful in 11 appearances with the Braves last season and didn't pitch at all in 2023. It remains to be seen how much Matzek still has left in the tank.

New York Yankees left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek (oblique) is expected to miss a few weeks due to an oblique strain. However, the 34-year-old could resume a throwing program on Monday. The Yankees invited Matzek to camp after he signed a minor-league deal earlier in the offseason. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but he will likely not be ready for Opening Day. Last season, the southpaw logged just 10 innings of work with the Atlanta Braves and held a 9.90 ERA with a 1.90 WHIP. During the 2022 campaign, Matzek held a 3.50 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP across 43 2/3 innings of work. He tallied 36 punchouts with eight holds while operating as a setup man. When he returns from this injury, Matzek could contend for a spot in the Yankee bullpen. However, given his lack of experience last season, he will likely be eased into action and will see time as a low-leverage option.

Free-agent left-hander Tyler Matzek is signing a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees on Monday after he recently impressed scouts in a showcase. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw will head to the American League East after appearing in only 11 games out of the bullpen for the Atlanta Braves in 2024. In his 11 outings over 10 innings, Matzek gave up 11 earned runs on 16 hits (three homers) while walking three and striking out 10. He didn't pitch at all in the big leagues in 2023 due to injury but has a decent 3.72 ERA (3.81 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP in 285 1/3 career major-league innings while also posting a 272:142 K:BB in his 168 appearances (24 starts). Matzek will be looking to impress the Yankees coaching staff in spring training to try and win an Opening Day bullpen spot for the Bombers as a lefty specialist.