The Atlanta Braves released an update on a few of their pitchers today, who were dealing with lingering shoulder issues.
Earlier on Friday, the Braves announced that Kyle Wright underwent surgery to repair a torn capsule in his right shoulder. Wright will miss the entire 2024 season as he recovers from this procedure.
Atlanta has now provided an update for lefty reliever, Dylan Lee, who was on the IL with a shoulder injury. Lee apparently had a procedure done on his pitching shoulder to clean up some things that were bothering him.
Lee should be ready to return by Spring Training according to Braves' GM Alex Anthopoulos.
AA also issued an update on reliever Tyler Matzek who has been rehabbing after receiving Tommy John surgery before the 2023 season. The team expects the flamethrowing lefty to make his return at Spring Training as well.
Dylan Lee had a cleanup procedure on his shoulder. He should be ready for spring, Alex Anthopoulos said.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) October 13, 2023
Lee appeared in 20 games for the Braves until May 16th when he was shut down with shoulder inflammation. The Braves reactivated Lee on September 3 and appeared in just 4 games before being placed on the 15-day IL for the same reason.
Shoulder injuries are very hard to recover from and take a bit more time than other injuries. Hopefully, this surgery will allow him to fully recover and return to form. He was one of Atlanta's better options out of the bullpen in 2022 but that injury certainly dampened his effectiveness in 2023.
Tyler Matzek was an elite option for the Braves in 2021 and has one of the most iconic moments from the Braves' run to the World Series. Fans will never forget that incredible inning during the NLCS where he struck out the side to keep the Dodgers off the board.
He wasn't as good in 2022 and turns out there was a reason why. He underwent Tommy John surgery before the 2023 season with hopes to get himself back to that dominant form in 2024.
The Braves definitely will want to build back up their depth when it comes to pitching and these are two incredible options to have waiting as they prepare for another season of Atlanta Braves baseball.