Atlanta Braves reach two-year deal with lefty Tyler Matzek

Nov. 18—The Atlanta Braves signed left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek to a two-year contract, the team announced Friday.

The deal is worth $3.1 million that includes a $5.5 million club option with no buyout. Matzek agreed to donate 1 percent of his salary per season to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

Matzek, 32, appeared in 42 games out of the bullpen for the Braves in 2022, going 4-2 with a 3.50 ERA (17 ER/43.2 IP) and his first career save. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound lefty underwent Tommy John surgery on October 12 that ended his season.

Originally drafted by Colorado 11th overall in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, Matzek made his debut with the Rockies in 2014. He joined the Braves in 2020 and owns a 2.92 ERA (44 ER/135.2 IP) since that date. In the 2021 playoffs, Matzek set a new franchise record for appearances in a single postseason with 13. His 24 strikeouts are tied for the third most by a reliever in a single postseason.