Tampa Bay shifts Steven Matz to relief role following struggles in rotation

The Tampa Bay Rays are making a change to their pitching staff, moving veteran left-hander Steven Matz from the starting rotation to the bullpen after a pair of disappointing outings that saw his season ERA rise to 5.48.

The move was announced Saturday after Matz struggled in consecutive starts, including a difficult performance against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. The 35-year-old allowed five runs on six hits, including two home runs, in just 1 2/3 innings during Tampa Bay’s 8-0 loss. Matz threw 53 pitches before manager Kevin Cash elected to remove him from the game.  Cash was particularly concerned with a drop in the velocity of Matz’s fastball, which averaged 92 mph compared to his season average of 93.3 mph. 

Matz, who is 4-3 on the season, has struggled to find consistency in recent weeks. Opposing hitters have posted significantly stronger numbers against him during his last several appearances, while his strikeout rate has declined and hard-contact rates have increased.

The Rays had hoped Matz could provide stability in the middle of the rotation after joining the club, but his recent struggles have forced the organization to reconsider his role. Cash indicated that the bullpen move will allow Matz to focus on shorter outings while the team evaluates its starting-pitching options moving forward.

Matz’s rotation run ends 

Last game highlighted how Detroit’s offense jumped on Matz early Tuesday, collecting six extra-base hits in the first two innings and putting the Rays in a hole they never escaped. 

Despite the setback, Matz has experience pitching in relief. He worked out of the bullpen at times during previous stops with the St. Louis Cardinals and has shown the ability to be effective in shorter stints.

The Rays hope the transition will help Matz regain his form and provide valuable depth as the club pushes through the middle portion of the season.

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