Boston Red Sox right-hander Bryan Mata (elbow, lat) injured his right hamstring in spring training and started the season on the injured list. He went on four separate rehab assignments, but each of them ended with a setback, most of them arm-related. "He came out of his last one a little bit sore so we're back to, not step one, but we're running out of time," manager Alex Cora. "Pretty unlikely [he will pitch for Boston this season]." The hope was that Mata, who was once the team's top pitching prospect, would at least make his major-league debut in 2024, as the 25-year-old is out of options. It's been a frustrating year for the Venezuelan hurler as he tries to make his way to the big leagues for the first time. Mata pitched at four different levels of the minors in 2024 but threw only 22 2/3 innings over 11 outings (seven starts), giving up 12 runs (11 earned) while walking nine and fanning 20 hitters.
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Bryan Mata has been optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday. The 23-year-old looked fantastic during Grapefruit action this spring. He threw seven scoreless innings with a 1.00 WHIP and six strikeouts. The right-hander made his return to the mound last season after a lengthy absence due to Tommy John surgery. He posted a 2.49 ERA with 105 strikeouts and only five home runs allowed in 19 games (18 starts) between Double-A and Triple-A last season. It appears Mata is getting extremely close to making his big league debut. The expectation is that Mata will take the mound for the Red Sox at some point in 2023.
Bryan Mata Throws Two Innings In Extended Spring Training
Boston Red Sox pitching prospect Bryan Mata (elbow) had an impressive outing in extended spring training action on Thursday. He threw two innings and struck out five batters while his fastball topped out at 100 mph. This was the first time that Mata faced live hitters from another organization since he underwent Tommy John surgery last spring. The 23-year-old is currently rated as the team's second-best pitching prospect and seventh overall prospect by MLB Pipeline. His last minor league exposure came in 2019, when he pitched to a 3.43 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP over 105 innings split between High-A and Double-A.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Bryan Mata (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday to repair a slight UCL tear in his elbow. Mata was shut down in spring training with the elbow injury and originally wasn't slated to have the surgery- though it was deemed necessary- and the top pitching prospect now faces a recovery time of 12-15 months following the procedure. The 21-year-old struck out 111 batters in 105 innings across two leagues for the Red Sox in 2019 and projects as a mid-rotation starter. If Mata ends up requiring the maximum recovery time- he could miss the 2021 and 2022 minor league seasons.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Bryan Mata was diagnosed with a small tear of his UCL. The club's top pitching prospect will now be shut down for rest and rehab rather than undergoing Tommy John surgery although that could be an option if the conservative approach does not work. The news is a huge blow to the Red Sox's pitching depth in a season where upper-level pitching depth will be heavily relied on by all teams. Mata is ranked by Rotoballer just outside the Top 100 dynasty prospects at 123. Still just 21, he split the 2019 season between high-A and double-A ball. He was at the club's alternate training site in 2020 but has yet to make his MLB debut. Mata has the ceiling of a mid-rotation starter.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Bryan Mata (triceps) is dealing with right triceps soreness and is scheduled to have an MRI on Thursday. He was originally slated to pitch on Wednesday, but the soreness kept him out. Red Sox manager Alex Cora has said that he doesn't believe the injury is anything serious. The 21-year-old Mata is Boston's top-ranked pitching prospect and the fourth-ranked overall prospect on the team. In 2019, he posted a 3.43 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 21 starts in High-A and Double-A while averaging 9.5 K/9. He has a shot to make his MLB debut this year, but any missed time will of course lessen his chances.
Bryan Mata
• SP
•
Red Sox
