Matzek is in Yankees camp this spring as a non-roster invitee and figures to open the regular season continuing to rehab in the minor leagues. The 34-year-old lefty suffered an oblique strain earlier this month and is still a few weeks away from being an option for New York’s relief mix.

Matzek was signed in February to a minor league deal and was considered a strong contender to make the roster. The 34-year-old hasn’t been able to pitch since February 28, and obviously this injury puts his roster spot in doubt. If healthy, he could be a mid-to-high leverage reliever, but staying healthy has been a major issue for Matzek throughout his career.

Matzek fortifies New York’s left-handed relief mix after being limited to just 11 appearances last year due to elbow inflammation. The 34-year-old southpaw was a high-leverage fixture for the Braves during their 2021 World Series title run, but injuries have derailed his career over the past three seasons. He’ll compete for a spot in the Yankees’ season-opening bullpen during spring training and figures to make an impact, if he stays moderately healthy.

Ragazzo says that teams who watched the session thought Matzek looked “strong and healthy.” The 34-year-old was limited to just 11 appearances last year before being sidelined with left elbow inflammation, and injury issues have been a problem for the southpaw throughout his career. Still, when on the mound Maztek has been borderline dominant at times, so it won’t be any kind of surprise if he lands a deal before the start of the 2025 campaign; even if it’s likely incentive-laden.