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First-place Rays moving struggling Matz to bullpen...

ESPN · Jun 6, 2026, 8:21 PM

Key takeaways

  • The Tampa Bay Rays are moving left-hander Steven Matz from the rotation to the bullpen after two poor starts in which his ERA has climbed to 5.48 this season, it was announced Saturday.
  • The 35-year-old Matz (4-3) allowed five runs and six hits, including two home runs, in 1 2/3 innings in Tuesday's 8-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
  • Said Matz afterward: "Got to try to work myself out of this rut and move forward."

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

The Tampa Bay Rays are moving left-hander Steven Matz from the rotation to the bullpen after two poor starts in which his ERA has climbed to 5.48 this season, it was announced Saturday.

The 35-year-old Matz (4-3) allowed five runs and six hits, including two home runs, in 1 2/3 innings in Tuesday's 8-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Rays manager Kevin Cash said he pulled Matz after 53 pitches because the velocity on his fastball was down -- 92 mph from his average of 93.3 mph.

Said Matz afterward: "Got to try to work myself out of this rut and move forward."

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