The New York Yankees’ bullpen has encountered another significant challenge with the news that left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek has been sidelined due to health concerns. Matzek, who signed a minor league contract with the Yankees in February 2025, was anticipated to provide valuable depth to the bullpen.
Matzek’s recent performance had been promising. In his Grapefruit League debut, he delivered a scoreless inning against the Minnesota Twins, with his fastball averaging 94.6 mph. Manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism, stating, “He looks really good. Excited to see him get into a game.”
However, during a spring training game, Matzek experienced discomfort and was subsequently removed. Evaluations revealed elbow inflammation, leading to his placement on the 15-day injured list. This development is particularly concerning given Matzek’s recent return from Tommy John surgery in 2022, which had kept him sidelined for the entire 2023 season.
In response to Matzek’s absence, the Yankees have turned to left-handed pitcher Tim Hill to fill the void in the bullpen. Hill, who re-signed with the Yankees earlier this year, brings experience and a strong ground ball rate to the team’s relief corps. His presence is expected to provide stability and depth in the absence of Matzek.
The Yankees’ bullpen has already been dealing with injuries to other key pitchers, including Ian Hamilton and Mark Leiter Jr., both of whom have faced health issues limiting their spring training participation. Additionally, closer Devin Williams returned from the paternity list, leading to the designation of veteran reliever Adam Ottavino for assignment after a brief stint with the team.
With the season approaching, the Yankees face critical decisions regarding roster adjustments and bullpen configurations. The team is hopeful that Matzek’s injury is a minor setback and that he will return to contribute to the bullpen’s success once healed.
