Braves bullpen takes another hit as left-hander Tyler Matzek lands on 15-day injured list

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves lost another reliever to injury Tuesday when they placed left-hander Tyler Matzek on the 15-day injured list because of left elbow inflammation.

The Braves placed right-hander Pierce Johnson on the 15-day IL on Sunday due to right elbow inflammation.

This move with Matzek came after he allowed three runs while recording just two outs Saturday night. 11-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 33-year-old has a 9.90 ERA in 11 games this season, allowing 11 runs in 10 innings.

Matzek was a key reliever for Atlanta’s 2021 World Series champion team. He had a 2.57 ERA in 69 games, but underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in 2022 and missed the 2023 season.

Braves manager Brian Snitker said Matzek reported elbow soreness Monday, when the team was off. Snitker said the inflammation following Tommy John surgery is not unusual.

“I think that’s the most important thing, just calm him down and get him back on his feet,” Snitker said.

The Braves recalled left-hander Ray Kerr from Triple-A Gwinnett before Tuesday night’s game against the Boston Red Sox.

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