To start the offseason, Pierce Johnson signed a two-year contract to remain with the Braves, adding a huge piece to the bullpen early. After being acquired from the Rockies at the trade deadline, the right-hander produced a pitiful 0.76 ERA and a 12.2 K/9 in 24 appearances for the Braves. alongside season, he should be a set-up man alongside to Tyler Matzek and possibly A.J. Minter.
When the 2022 postseason hero returned for the 2022 campaign, he was a different pitcher. His lack of speed resulted in an ERA above 5.00 prior to the Braves placing him on the Injured List due to shoulder pain.
When Matzek returned in July, the outcomes were far more positive in terms of ERA. Over his last 29 games, he recorded a 3.00 ERA, but his velocity continued to drop, and the strikeout totals that had made him one of the game’s most effective lefty relievers were significantly reduced. He was shut down for the season right before the NLDS against the Phillies because something still didn’t feel right, and it was eventually discovered that he would require Tommy John surgery.
Though Matzek expressed multiple times this season that he hoped to be back for the postseason, that was never going to happen. He is, nevertheless, anticipated to be prepared for Spring Training and has a contract that runs through 2024.
Though it’s never easy to forecast what a pitcher will look like after a long layoff, Tommy John surgery frequently results in people returning even better. Over his career, Matzek has surmounted numerous obstacles, transitioning from an Indy Ball player to a Braves postseason icon. At the back end of their bullpen, Brian Snitker could really use another trustworthy left-handed reliever, so hopefully this is just another hiccup in the way. Without even adding a big free agent signing, the Braves relief core might become even better if Matzek can return to his 2021 form.
