Steven Matz
Breakdown
Performance
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May 20, 2026
Works in tandem in return
Matz didn't factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over four innings in the Rays' 5-3 victory over the Orioles. He struck out five.
Analysis
Making his first start since May 3 after recovering from a bout of elbow inflammation, Matz was lifted after 67 pitches (41 strikes) and wound up working in a tandem arrangement with Jesse Scholtens, who got the win while tossing four innings of relief. Matz wasn't expected to have any significant workload restrictions, so it's not clear if he'll continue to piggyback with Scholtens, or if Tampa Bay will shift to a six-man rotation. Regardless of his role or when his next outing will happen, Matz's 3.70 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 33:15 K:BB through 41.1 innings on the season will give him some fantasy appeal in deeper formats.
May 20, 2026
Activated ahead of start Wednesday
Tampa Bay reinstated Matz (elbow) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Orioles, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.
Analysis
After Tampa Bay deactivated him May 5 due to left elbow inflammation, Matz ended up spending the minimum amount of time on the shelf. Following his placement on the IL, Matz took just a few days off from throwing before getting back on the mound, so he shouldn't be operating with any major restrictions as he slots back into the Tampa Bay rotation. Prior to being shelved, Matz went 4-1 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 28:13 K:BB in 37.1 innings through his first seven starts of the season.
May 18, 2026
Cleared to return Wednesday
Matz (elbow) will rejoin the Rays' rotation Wednesday with a start against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Analysis
Matz came out of a bullpen session Sunday with no concerns, clearing the path for his return. The veteran southpaw did not make any rehab starts, so he will likely be somewhat limited from a workload perspective versus Baltimore. Matz posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 28:13 K:BB over 37.1 innings covering his first seven starts for the Rays before going down with left elbow inflammation.
