Comeback Players to Watch This Spring

5.  Tyler Matzek – Left-Handed Pitcher

Matzek is one of the most bizarre stories in baseball. Drafted 11th overall in 2009 out of high school, Matzek was headed for the spot light. The guy proceeds to struggle in the minors, not because of his stuff, but because he couldn’t control his stuff. So Tyler then essential takes a year off of baseball, comes back and throws more strikes, albeit not a whole lot more. Over a total of 5 minor league seasons we have a top draft pick with an minor league ERA over 5.

By the time we get 2014, the starting pitching situation in Denver is so bad, that they call up Matzek who is notorious for walks at this point. The dude then proceeds to be lights out. Matzek takes a shutout into the 8th inning in his first big league start (at Coors none-the-less), and then completes a three hit shutout of the Padres a few starts later. Sky’s the limit right? Well here’s the kicker, Matzek suffers from performance anxiety, and his demons got the best of him by the beginning of 2015. Tyler walked an insane 19 batters over a 22 inning stretch, was sent to Triple-A, where he did horribly and then was shipped to low A Boise.

In Boise, Tyler makes one start. He only works 2.1 innings because by that time, he had walked 8 batters. Time for another break from baseball. The great news here is a few things. Firstly, Matzek is only 25. Secondly, performance anxiety isn’t new. Guys like Joey Votto and Zach Grienke (and many more) have suffered from the condition. So we know its fixable and there is time for Matzek yet. The Denver Post wrote a great article about anxiety and Matzek if you want to learn more.

Notice how all of the players profiled have been pitchers? Have you also noticed that the pitchers profiled here are just now about to enter their prime? 2016 is already being written off by most reports. But, if these guys can stay healthy physically and mentally, and put together a solid campaign, we don’t have settle for the cellar in 2016. Success with these guys will foster a lot of excited moving into an already bright future.

Next: Curious which ex-Rockies are getting a second chance?

Non-roster invitees are always an intriguing part of Spring Training. They’re all players who are not on the 40-man roster but are given a chance to earn a spot and stick with that team. See where guys like Eric Young Jr. and Jhoulys Chacin have been invited to join this spring.