Enhancing the depth of their bullpen was the Atlanta Braves’ first aim this offseason.

That’s fortunate since one important player might not be available on Opening Day.

Recovering from a 2022 Tommy John surgery, lefty Tyler “Nutsack” Matzek, who gained notoriety throughout Braves Country for his heroics in the 2021 postseason, hinted that he might not be ready for Opening Day.

In an interview with the media this morning in North Port, Florida, Matzek stated that while he feels good, he’s not sure whether he’ll be ready for Opening Day and alluded to the possibility of going to rehab before being activated.

I’m having a great time. feeling well yet not Braves Postseason Hero Might Need a Rehab Period Before Playing Again

not resisting anything. My arm feels fantastic. In addition, There shouldn’t be any restrictions (on pitches, trips, or workload), in my opinion. Of course, things can alter; perhaps a brief stay in rehab at first.”

It’s unclear whether Matzek, who underwent Tommy John surgery on October 12, 2022, with Texas-based Dr. Keith Meister—Atlanta’s go-to surgeon—is merely attempting to manage expectations or if he genuinely doesn’t know if he’ll be able to perform to his typical caliber on Opening Day.

Matzek is on a “regular throwing regimen” with no restrictions, according to manager Brian Snitker, but the spring’s objective is to “get him competition (ready) again.”

Therefore, if Matzek begins treating the damaged Braves Postseason Hero May Need Rehab Stint Before Returning: If the player is healthy for Opening Day and makes rehab appearances in the minors, that will give Atlanta some much-needed flexibility in their bullpen. According to FanGraphs’ Roster Resource, of the projected Opening Day bullpen, not a single pitcher has a minor league option, so the only way to make a change in the bullpen would be to go on the injured list, unless Atlanta wanted to move someone to the bullpen and expose them to waivers. Additionally, since MLB recently punished former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler for mishandling the injured list—that is, fabricating injuries—it is increasingly unlikely that the Braves will opt for an injured list stint for A reliever who may be injured, but not to the point where it would keep them from playing.

Nevertheless, when Tyler Matzek (and his new necklace) eventually makes his way back to the Truist Park mound, it will be a day of celebration throughout Braves Country.