The Atlanta Braves made it an offseason priority to improve the depth of their bullpen this offseason.
And that's a good thing, because there's a key contributor that might not be available on Opening Day.
Tyler "Nutsack" Matzek, the lefty that's famous across Braves Country for his heroics in the 2021 postseason, is returning from 2022 Tommy John surgery and recently indicated that there's a chance he might not be ready on Opening Day.
Talking to the media in North Port, FL this morning, Matzek said he's feeling good , but didn't know if he'd be ready for Opening Day and mentioned a potential rehab stint prior to his activation.
"Feeling really good. Feeling healthy, not battling anything. Arm's feeling really good. [...] I don't think there should be any limitations (on pitches, outings, or workload). Obviously that can change, maybe a little rehab stint in the beginning."
It's not known if Matzek, who had Tommy John surgery on October 12th of 2022 with Dr. Keith Meister, Atlanta's preferred surgeon out of Texas, is just trying to temper expectations or if he legitimately doesn't know if he'll be able to perform up to his usual standards on Opening Day.
Manager Brian Snitker said Matzek's on a "normal throwing program" with no limitations, but the goal of spring was to "get him competition (ready) again."
And so, if Matzek starts on the injured list for Opening Day and makes rehab appearances in the minors, that'll give Atlanta some needed flexibility in their bullpen - of the projected Opening Day bullpen per FanGraphs' Roster Resource, not a single pitcher has a minor league option. An injured list stint would therefore be the only way to make a change in the bullpen, unless Atlanta wanted to expose someone to waivers by moving them to the bullpen.
And with MLB recently having punished former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler with a suspension through the 2024 World Series for improper use of the injured list - namely, faking injuries - it's increasingly unlikely that the Braves will lean towards an injured list stint for a reliever that might be hurt, but not enough to prevent them from appearing in a game.
But either way, it's be a day for celebration across Braves Country when Tyler Matzek (and his new necklace) finally return to the Truist Park mound.
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