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2w ago

Rays Move Steven Matz Out of Rotation and Into the Bullpen

Manager Kevin Cash said a drop in Matz’s fastball velocity after his return from the injured list prompted the change and the team will use him in shorter stints while it evaluates rotation options.

Jun 2, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Rays announced Saturday that left-hander Steven Matz will be removed from the starting rotation and shifted to a relief role to stabilize the pitching staff.
  • Matz’s season ERA rose to 5.48 after consecutive poor outings, including a May 27 start in Baltimore where he allowed six runs and a June 2 start in Detroit when he gave up five runs and two homers in 1 2/3 innings.
  • Kevin Cash said the move was driven in part by a measurable drop in Matz’s fastball velocity after he returned from a 15-day injured list stint for left elbow inflammation on May 20.
  • The team has not named a rotation replacement yet, though Cash indicated right-hander Mason Englert could provide length if needed while the club evaluates longer-term options.
  • Matz, 35, has prior relief experience and the Rays view the role change as a way to preserve his arm, add bullpen depth and buy time to protect the club’s AL East lead at 37-23.