Tyler Matzek To Make His Major League Debut Wednesday vs. Atlanta Braves
By Andrew Dill
Feb 26, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Tyler Matzek poses during photo day at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Rockies are in desperate need of reinforcements as their number two prospect in Eddie Butler hit the disabled list after one start with rotator cuff inflammation. Jordan Lyles would fracture his left hand the week before as Christian Bergman made his MLB debut Monday night in a 3-1 Atlanta Braves victory. This time, Tyler Matzek will get his shot after an up-and-down journey through the minor leagues.
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Matzek, 23, was drafted 11th overall back in the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft. He has endured a long and bumped road to the bigs, derailed by a lack of command. During the 2011 season with the Rockies High-A affiliate Modesto Nuts, Matzek issued 46 walks in 33.0 innings pitched, collecting a BB/9 of 12.55 — which isn’t good… at all.
This season with the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox, he has done a much better job cutting down his walks. Matzek sat at a record of 5-4 on the season with a 4.05 ERA, walking just 31 batters in 66.2 innings pitched — a BB/9 of 4.19.
Matzek will take Eddie Butler’s spot in the starting rotation as he gets a crack at the Atlanta Braves Wednesday night.
Speaking of roster moves, the Rockies designated reliever Wilton Lopez for assignment, calling up Christian Bergman. Colorado would also place right fielder Michael Cuddyer on the 15-day DL with a fractured in his left shoulder socket.