Rays shift Steven Matz to bullpen after struggles in rotation
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 7:47 PM
Last updated Jun 6, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays have announced that Steven Matz will move from the starting rotation to the bullpen following two poor pitching performances. Matz's current ERA stands at 5.48 for the season, reflecting his struggles on the mound. This change comes as the Rays, currently in first place, seek to improve their pitching effectiveness. The decision aims to stabilize the bullpen while adjusting the team's overall pitching strategy as they progress through the season.
- •Steven Matz has struggled with a 5.48 ERA this season.
- •Matz will move to the bullpen after two poor starts.
- •The Rays are currently in first place in their division.
- •The team's pitching strategy is being adjusted for the remainder of the season.
- 10:27 PMMLB Trade Rumors — Rays Move Steven Matz To Bullpen - MLB Trade Rumors
- 9:48 PMYahoo Sports — Rays moving left-hander Steven Matz to the bullpen after 2 rough starts
- 8:25 PMYahoo Sports — Tampa Bay shifts Steven Matz to relief role following struggles in rotation
- 8:21 PMESPN — First-place Rays moving struggling Matz to bullpen...
"The Tampa Bay Rays are making a change to their pitching staff, moving veteran left-hander Steven Matz from the starting rotation to the bullpen after a pair of disappointing outings that saw his season ERA rise to 5.48. The move was announced Saturday after Matz struggled in consecutive starts, including a difficult performance against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. Matz threw 53 pitches before manager Kevin Cash elected to remove him from the game.
"Steven Matz is moving from the starting rotation to the bullpen after a pair of poor starts by the Tampa Bay Rays left-hander, manager Kevin Cash said Saturday. Matz, who signed a two-year, $15 million deal with Tampa Bay in December, allowed five runs on six hits, including two home runs, in an 8-0 loss to Detroit on Tuesday. In his last two starts, he has allowed 11 runs, 13 hits and three home runs, while walking two with four strikeouts.
"The 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.
Sources
External links- MLB Trade RumorsJun 6, 2026, 10:27 PMRays Move Steven Matz To Bullpen - MLB Trade Rumors
Veteran lefty Steven Matz is heading to the Rays' bullpen after a string of poor starts.
- Yahoo SportsJun 6, 2026, 9:48 PMRays moving left-hander Steven Matz to the bullpen after 2 rough starts
Steven Matz is moving from the starting rotation to the bullpen after a pair of poor starts by the Tampa Bay Rays left-hander, manager Kevin Cash said Saturday. Matz, who signed a two-year, $15 million deal with Tampa Bay in December, allowed five runs on six hits, including two home runs, in an 8-0 loss to Detroit on Tuesday. In his last two starts, he has allowed 11 runs, 13 hits and three home runs, while walking two with four strikeouts.
- Yahoo SportsJun 6, 2026, 8:25 PMTampa Bay shifts Steven Matz to relief role following struggles in rotation
The Tampa Bay Rays are making a change to their pitching staff, moving veteran left-hander Steven Matz from the starting rotation to the bullpen after a pair of disappointing outings that saw his season ERA rise to 5.48. The move was announced Saturday after Matz struggled in consecutive starts, including a difficult performance against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. Matz threw 53 pitches before manager Kevin Cash elected to remove him from the game.
- ESPNJun 6, 2026, 8:21 PMFirst-place Rays moving struggling Matz to bullpen...
The 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.
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