Tyler Matzek

Tyler Alexander Matzek (born October 19, 1990) is an American professional baseball left-handed pitcher for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was drafted by the Rockies in the first round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft.

Career

High school and minor leagues

Matzek played baseball at Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, California. He has 4 brothers, Ryan Johnson, Jeff Johnson,(half), Mychal Matzek and Kyle Matzek. He struck out 102 in 86.2 innings with a 0.97 ERA his senior year, leading his team to the CIF championship and earning the CIF Orange County Player of the Year. He was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the first round, 11th overall, in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. On August 17, 2009, Matzek agreed to a $3.9 million signing bonus to join the Colorado Rockies organization. He did not pitch professionally in 2009

Prior to the 2010 season he was ranked by Baseball America as the 23rd best prospect in baseball. Playing for Single-A Asheville, he compiled a record of 5-1 with an earned run average (ERA) of 2.92 and 88 strikeouts in 89.1 innings of work over 18 starts. However, he struggled with control, walking 62 and hitting 4 batters. Prior to 2011 Baseball America ranked him as the 32nd best prospect. He started the season with the High-A Modesto, but struggled mightily, going 0-3 with a 9.82 ERA with 46 walks in 33 innings. He was demoted back to Asheville, where he made three rather unsuccessful starts before going on a "little mental break" after his start on June 17. He returned to Asheville on July 20 to finish the season. He went 5-4 with a 4.36 ERA with the Tourists in 2011, striking out 74 and walking 50 in 64 innings.