Atlanta Braves' World Series champion Tyler Matzek is facing yet another career setback after parting ways with the New York Yankees. The veteran reliever hasn't been a reliable option since the 2022 season, struggling in Atlanta last year before landing with New York and working a 4.26 ERA in limited action.
While Matzek looks better than last season, the veteran still isn't back to the player he was in Atlanta's historic run. Some of the most memorable moments of the team's 2021 World Series title included Matzek on the mound in big spots.
It is easy to remember a pivotal moment against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Matzek being called upon in an impossible situation. The reliever lived up to the moment, striking out three straight with two runners in scoring position. It was an accomplishment with the highest possible level of stress. The reliever didn't blink and cemented himself into Braves lore forever because of it. This alone makes the idea of a reunion at least worth exploring in the next weeks of the season.
Braves Should Bring Back Tyler Matzek
Considering how the Braves treated both Scott Blewett and Craig Kimbrel, a reunion might not be horribly enticing for the veteran. However, it isn't as if there are overwhelming options with Atlanta's awful bullpen offering a chance at redemption. Things have gotten so bad that infielder Luke Williams was called on to pitch in a game against a historically awful Rockies team.
This speaks to just how wide open Atlanta's pen remains and why a reunion could make sense for both sides. While this hasn't worked out well in recent memory with Eddie Rosario, Jessie Chavez, Adam Duvall, and Jorge Soler all failing in attempted reunions, it is still worth a try. This is both based on what Matzek means to the franchise and a complete lack of options. Even without the veteran's impressive history, the resume demands that the Braves take a look at attempting to find further stability.
It isn't as if there aren't a handful of options the team could demote to make room for the reliever. Matzek getting a third chance in a Braves uniform makes sense and should be a done deal if the lefty is willing to return.