Cobb Reporter

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker has recently announced that right-hander Spencer Strider is expected to be moved to the bullpen while Tyler Matzek is out with left shoulder discomfort, according to an MLB report.

Snitker stated he was impressed by Strider's bullpen performance against the Milwaukee Brewers in their May 16 game, in which he pitched two shutout innings after replacing Ian Anderson.

“When you lose a guy of [Matzek’s] caliber, we may need Strider to fill those late-inning leverage innings,” Snitker said. “I like how he responded today.”

Matzek, who is scheduled for an MRI in Atlanta, is reportedly worried about his injury as his shoulder discomfort is more severe than a minor ache.

"It was probably two weeks or three weeks (ago) that my shoulder started feeling uncomfortable,” Matzek said. “I think I was just compensating for the lack of mobility in my back."

Strider, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft, started the 2021 season at the Single-A level and made his first two major league appearances during the last weekend of the season.

MLB notes that despite Strider's lack of postseason exposure, he could potentially be compared to Josh Hader and other strong relievers.