The Atlanta Braves have brought left-handed reliever Tyler Matzek back to the organization after he was released by the San Francisco Giants, according to the team’s official transactions page. Matzek was traded from the Braves to the Giants as part of the deal that also brought outfielder Jorge Soler back to the Braves.
Matzek, who played limitedly for Atlanta earlier this season following Tommy John surgery, did not pitch for the Giants but made several minor league rehab appearances as he recovered from inflammation of his left elbow that caused him to go on the injured list during his time with Atlanta.
Matzek wasn’t the only recently released reliever to join Atlanta, as the team also signed former Chicago White Sox reliever John Brebbia and added him to the major league roster. Notably, both relievers were signed on August 31, giving both pitchers a path to the postseason since they were both part of the organization before September 1.
Matzek was an effective late-inning relief pitcher for Atlanta from 2020-2022 until suffering a UCL injury late in the season, forcing him to miss the entire 2023 season.
Matzek had an unsightly 9.90 ERA in 11 games with Atlanta this season, despite striking out an average of one batter per inning. During his career with Atlanta, he appeared in 143 games, posting a 3.40 ERA and averaging a 10.3 K/9.
It’s a risk-free move for Atlanta as the team tries to clinch a postseason berth. He’ll pitch at Triple-A Gwinnett and if he can return to form, he could be an option later in September.
