Yankees sign Tyler Matzek to minor league deal, invite lefty to Spring Training

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The Yankees have signed left-handed reliever Tyler Matzek to a minor league deal, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive and SNY. The agreement likely includes a non-roster invitation to Spring Training, giving the veteran southpaw a chance to compete for a roster spot.

Yankees: Tyler Matzek agree to minor league deal

Matzek, 34, held a showcase for teams last month, demonstrating enough to earn an opportunity with New York. He is looking to bounce back after injuries limited him to just 11 big league appearances in 2024, all before May 4.

Matzek started last season in the Braves’ bullpen but struggled early, allowing 11 runs over 10 innings. Atlanta placed him on the injured list with elbow inflammation in early May, sidelining him for more than three months. At the trade deadline, the Braves sent Matzek to the Giants in a salary-clearing move as part of their deal for Jorge Soler. However, San Francisco opted to release him instead of adding him to the big league roster.

Atlanta later re-signed Matzek to a minor league contract, and he made four appearances with Triple-A Gwinnett but did not earn a late-season call-up. He became a free agent at the end of the year.

Injuries have disrupted Matzek’s career over the past two seasons. He missed all of 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery during the Braves’ 2022 postseason run. Before that, he had been a key bullpen piece for Atlanta, posting a 2.92 ERA over 135 2/3 innings from 2020-22 with a strikeout rate above 27%. His fastball, which previously sat in the mid-90s, averaged 93.6 mph in his return from surgery last year.

Matzek will have a legitimate chance to make the Yankees’ Opening Day roster if he performs well in Spring Training. New York’s bullpen currently lacks left-handed depth, with Tim Hill as the only southpaw reliever on the 40-man roster. The Yankees also invited two other lefties to camp—Brandon Leibrandt, who has seven career MLB appearances, and Jayvien Sandridge, who has yet to debut. If healthy, Matzek’s experience and past success could give him an edge in securing a spot.

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