The Yankees and left-handed reliever Tyler Matzek have reached an agreement on a Minor League contract, according to a source speaking with MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The team has yet to confirm the news, which comes just days after they re-signed lefty Tim Hill to a one-year deal.
Matzek, 34, was a key setup man for the Braves during their 2021 World Series victory, posting a 2.57 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 63 regular-season innings. He was even more dominant in the postseason, allowing just three runs over 15 2/3 innings and striking out 24 batters.
However, Matzek struggled in 2022, with his ERA rising to 3.50 over 43 2/3 innings and a decrease in fastball velocity from 96 mph to 94.1 mph. He also missed about six weeks due to left shoulder inflammation and underwent Tommy John surgery in October.
Matzek returned to action at the start of last season but gave up 11 runs in 11 appearances before being sidelined with left elbow inflammation. His fastball was clocked at 93.6 mph. In July, he was traded to the Giants but was released shortly after and re-signed by the Braves the following month. He did not appear in an MLB game after August 4 and finished the season with a 9.90 ERA.
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