• Full name Tyler Alexander Matzek
  • Born 10/19/1990 in Mission Viejo, CA
  • Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 230 / Bats: L / Throws: L
  • School Capistrano Valley
  • Debut 06/11/2014
  • Drafted in the 1st round (11th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in 2009 (signed for $3,900,000).
    View Draft Report
    Matzek was virtually unknown until a preseason scrimmage last year, when he squared off against righthander Gerritt Cole, who became a 2008 first-rounder and is now at UCLA. Matzek was fantastic, striking out five of six hitters in two innings as 40 scouts were crammed into the bleachers, whispering, "Who is this guy?" He's anonymous no more. He starred in the 2008 Aflac game and at showcases both nationally and in Southern California, and while he's committed to Oregon he could be the first high school player drafted. With a rare blend of quality stuff, pitching smarts and ease of delivery, he may be the best prep lefty from Southern California since Cole Hamels in 2002. Similar in build and style to Angels southpaw Joe Saunders, Matzek features a 90-93 mph fastball, which peaks at 94, as well as a sharp-breaking curveball. He has flashed a changeup and slider in the past, but had not used them much this spring. Several crosscheckers hoped to see a more advanced feel for pitching and sharper secondary stuff, and Matzek had a few indifferent outings this year, struggling with his command and experiencing a dip in velocity, perhaps due to a blister on his pitching hand, which has since healed. Matzek's arm action is wonderfully smooth, and the ball leaves with his hand with ease, though he has a tendency to open up too soon. With a nearly stiff front leg landing, his fastball will often sail up and out of the strike zone, but any flaws are considered correctable.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Top 100 Rankings

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Curveball in the Colorado Rockies in 2013
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Colorado Rockies in 2011
  • Rated Best Fastball in the Colorado Rockies in 2010

Scouting Reports

Career Transactions

  • LHP Tyler Matzek assigned to Gwinnett Stripers.
  • Atlanta Braves signed free agent LHP Tyler Matzek to a minor league contract.
  • San Francisco Giants released LHP Tyler Matzek.
  • LHP Tyler Matzek assigned to Sacramento River Cats.
  • LHP Tyler Matzek roster status changed by San Francisco Giants.
  • Atlanta Braves traded LHP Tyler Matzek and 3B Sabin Ceballos to San Francisco Giants for RF Jorge Soler and RHP Luke Jackson.
  • Atlanta Braves placed LHP Tyler Matzek on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 5, 2024. Left elbow inflammation.
  • Atlanta Braves placed LHP Tyler Matzek on the 60-day injured list. Injured left UCL.

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