Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Tyler Matzek has not only become one of the go-to guys for the Braves out of the bullpen, but he’s also become a must-follow on Twitter for his spot-on tweets.
He may have just given up three home runs in his 78.2 regular-season and postseason innings for the Atlanta Braves last year, but Matzek has already hit plenty of bombs this offseason with his thoughts on the current Major League Baseball lockout and more.
Let’s look at some of the best work on Twitter from Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Tyler Matzek
What was Matzek’s reaction when Major League Baseball suggested bringing in a mediator to help solve the current lockout? Using a metaphor, it was pretty easy to figure out that Matzek (along with the majority of MLB players) weren’t impressed with the efforts that MLB had put forth in the effort to end the lockout so far.
Hard to negotiate with a wall, doesn’t matter if you add an outlet to it or not.
— Tyler “Nutsack” Matzek (@TylerMatzek) February 5, 2022
Earlier in the month, the Atlanta reliever also floated the idea of the players getting together to play some games in a similar style to made-for-television matchups that have been put together in golf. Would fans tune in? It’s an interesting question and thought from Matzek.
Idea: MLB players put on an all star series of their own. Live stream it and play a 5-7 game series. Get professional cameras set up, in game interviews and behind the scenes access. Do large teams, something like 50 players with everyone having to play. Would fans tune in?
— Tyler “Nutsack” Matzek (@TylerMatzek) February 1, 2022
Matzek also put together a thought-provoking thread laying out some comparisons between Major League Baseball and the National Football League. Yes, the USFL is coming back to life after the conclusion of the Super Bowl. Will fans tune in and will it become a competitor to the NFL in time?
Thread:
— Tyler “Nutsack” Matzek (@TylerMatzek) February 2, 2022
Players would love to play something like the real thing. Problem is, with MLB exempt from antitrust laws nobody can start a league to compete with MLB. It’s the only major sport that is exempt. That’s why we see leagues like the USFL pop up and compete with the NFL.
So far, we’ve only looked at what Matzek thinks about what is going on in the present. How about a look into a crystal ball from the Atlanta reliever? Matzek is also predicting what the future might look like for relief pitchers (who are people, by the way) who are in his position.
Relief pitchers are people too. 😂😂😂
— Tyler “Nutsack” Matzek (@TylerMatzek) January 20, 2022
With the way the game is going the NCRP (non-closer relief pitcher) will become an extremely important role on a successful team. With starters going shorter in games, gap guys will impact the outcome more than ever.
And, as the New Year began, Matzek sent out a word of encouragement.
When your why is strong, you can do a lot. When you attach love, the strongest human emotion, to that why you became unstoppable. Find your why and attach love to it. Emotions drive people and love is the nitro fuel. Use it.
— Tyler “Nutsack” Matzek (@TylerMatzek) January 1, 2022
All of these tweets and more from Matzek have given fans insight into a pitcher who has overcome so much to reach where he is today. Drafted by the Colorado Rockies 11th overall in the 2009 MLB draft, Matzek fell victim to “the yips,” throwing his career in doubt. However, in a fascinating story, Matzek began working through the issue with the help of a former Navy SEAL and began his climb back to MLB.
That climb landed him in the Braves bullpen and eventually a key role in Atlanta winning the 2021 World Series.