Tyler Matzek knows the time is running out for him. At 34 years old, with his body already battered down with injuries, this could be his last chance to make it to the big leagues. It’s been a long road since he was in his prime and played a crucial role for the Atlanta Braves 2021 World Series win. Now in 2025, Matzek seems to have a different goal—keeping his career in MLB alive and thriving.

According to MLB insider Jon Morosi of MLB Network, Matzek is set to showcase his skills for scouts on Thursday in Irvine, California. The goal is for him to show his velocity has reached the level it was after multiple injury-stricken seasons. He managed just 10 innings over the last two years. Hence, Matzek will know this performance in California is a crucial one—it’s a prove-it moment for him!

The years leading up to this have been tough for Matzek. In 2022, he started the season with some ups and downs, but later a shoulder injury derailed him in May. He did make a return later, and on the mound, he was solid. He appeared in 42 games and posted a 3.50 ERA, but because of elbow discomfort, he had to be left out of the Braves NLDS roster. Then it led to Tommy John surgery, which then kept him out the entire 2023 season.

In 2024, he had a stint with the San Francisco Giants. But even that didn’t go as planned. Tyler Matzek then was signed to a minor league deal. But when he struggled with a 5.79 ERA in Triple-A, even the Giants released him. It looked as if the big league hopes were slipping away. But right then, a ray of hope appeared as the Braves gave him another chance. They signed him for a minor league deal in August.

But despite the injuries, one cannot deny Tyler Matzek’s career numbers; they are impressive. He posted a 3.72 ERA in 168 career games, 272 strikeouts, and a 1.36 WHIP. So when he is healthy, he is a reliable arm. Right now, it won’t be far-fetched to say that impressing the scouts with Matzek’s performance might just be his final shot at the majors. And if he does, New York could be an option.

Could Tyler Matzek make a comeback in MLB in pinstripes?

Now the New York Yankees have made plenty of moves this off-season. Even though they ended up losing Juan Soto, they signed key players. However, they are still in need of a left-handed reliever for their bullpen. For the New York Yankees, a reunion with Tim Hill does make sense. However, if that doesn’t end up happening, then they could turn towards someone like Tyler Matzek.

Signing Matzek would be a low-risk, high-reward type option for the Yankees. The 34-year-old is an injury-prone player, but when healthy, he is reliable. If Matzek proves he is well worth it during his showcase, he might just end up in pinstripes next season. And what makes the deal sweeter for the Yankees is that they can get the 2021 champion star at a bargain rate.

Also, the Yankees aren’t the only team still looking for bullpen help. Pat Ragazzo of the Yankees on SI reported that another Yankee reliever, Lou Trivino, already threw a bullpen session in Palm Beach in front of the scouts just this week. Along with the Yankees, even the LA Dodgers, Cleveland Guardians, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City, and more were in attendance.

Trivino is also returning from Tommy John surgery, and according to sources, he impressed the scouts with a 94-mph sinker. Both Matzek and Trivino are looking to impress and conquer. While Trivino has already impressed, it remains to be seen if Matzek can match or outmatch him. What do you think—will Matzek be selected by the Yankees? Let us know in the comments.