Atlanta Braves left-handed reliever Tyler Matzek, one of the bullpen stalwarts during the team's World Series run last year, has been placed on the 15-day injured list because of discomfort in his pitching shoulder.
The Braves announced the injury to Matzek after Monday's 1-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers and made the roster move Tuesday.
In a corresponding move, Atlanta recalled left-hander Tucker Davidson, who will start Tuesday's game in Milwaukee.
Matzek, who is expected to undergo an examination Wednesday in Atlanta, told reporters that he began experiencing the shoulder discomfort two or three weeks ago. He cited back soreness during spring training as a possible reason for his latest injury.
"It was probably two weeks or three weeks [ago] that my shoulder started feeling uncomfortable," Matzek said Monday, according to MLB.com. "I think I was just compensating for the lack of mobility in my back. I felt good trying to get through the back [injury]. I think it just spiraled into another thing."
The hard-throwing Matzek has a 5.06 ERA in 13 appearances this season and has struggled with his control, allowing nine walks in 10â…” innings. He was one of Atlanta's top relievers last season, when he posted a 2.57 ERA in 69 outings, and was dominant during the postseason, going 3-0 with a 1.67 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 15â…” innings.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said rookie Spencer Strider will assume a more prominent role in Atlanta's bullpen during Matzek's absence. Strider tossed two scoreless innings Monday, lowering his ERA to 2.75.
