Tyler Matzek's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Atlanta Braves placed left-hander Tyler Matzek (elbow) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 5) with left-elbow inflammation on Tuesday and recalled left-hander Ray Kerr from the minors in a corresponding move. It's not a good sign for a pitcher that missed all of last season following Tommy John surgery. In addition to his injury, the 33-year-old veteran reliever has not been good so far in 2024, allowing 11 earned runs on 16 hits (three home runs) while walking three and striking out 10 in 10 innings out of Atlanta's bullpen. Given the fact that he missed all of last year due to injury, it seems likely that Matzek won't be able to return to the Braves' bullpen when he's eligible to come off the 15-day IL.

Atlanta Braves left-hander Tyler Matzek (elbow) is back this year after missing all of last season and the last two postseasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery in October of 2022. Matzek threw two perfect innings with four strikeouts in a Grapefruit League game on Sunday to erase any questions about whether he'd need a short minor-league rehab stint to shake off the rust to open the season. The 33-year-old veteran reliever looks ready for the 2024 season, and his velocity has ticked up to 95 mph in his fifth spring appearance on Sunday. He has nine strikeouts, two hits allowed and two walks in 5 2/3 scoreless innings over five outings and will return to Atlanta's bullpen as an important late-inning lefty arm. Matzek isn't going to be a save option, but don't forget that he had 24 holds in 2021.