Steven Matz, a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, recently made his postseason debut after a decade-long wait. Matz, a former New York Mets player, pitched during Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on October 1, 2025.
Long-Awaited Postseason Return
The East Setauket native entered the game in a crucial situation. The Red Sox were trailing 3-2 when Matz took the mound. He managed to keep the Yankees off the scoreboard, allowing two hits while striking out one batter.
Career Highlights
- First postseason appearance since Game 4 of the 2015 World Series.
- During the 2015 postseason, he recorded a 3.68 ERA in three games.
- His impressive rookie season in 2015 included a 2.27 ERA in six regular-season starts.
Reflecting on his journey, Matz expressed surprise at how much time has passed. “I don’t feel that old,” he noted, highlighting the significance of returning to pitch in New York.
Overcoming Challenges
Matz’s career has not been without its difficulties. After shining in his rookie season, he faced a setback due to elbow surgery in 2017, which affected his performance. His subsequent years with the Mets saw him demoted to the bullpen at times and eventually traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021.
Most recently, Matz played for the St. Louis Cardinals before joining the Red Sox at the trade deadline. This season, he thrived as a reliever with a remarkable 2.08 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 21.2 innings pitched.
Support from the Red Sox
Matz praised the Red Sox for their supportive environment. “They allow me to be myself,” he said, crediting their effective scouting reports that helped him transition back into pitching roles comfortably.
After completing 240 appearances and nearly 969 innings pitched over his career, Matz is grateful for the opportunity to compete in the playoffs. “Sometimes you feel like you’re just hanging on by a thread,” he remarked, acknowledging the challenges inherent in baseball.
His long-awaited postseason return is a testament to perseverance and dedication in the sport. As he prepares for the next game, the excitement continues for Matz as he finally experiences the playoff atmosphere once again.
