Matz Impresses with Lively Fastball in Spring Debut

Veteran lefty Steven Matz looks to bounce back in 2026 with the Rays

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:21pm

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Steven Matz, the veteran left-handed pitcher, made a positive first impression in his spring training debut with the Tampa Bay Rays. Matz pitched two scoreless innings, showcasing a lively fastball that averaged 94.3 mph, not far off his 2025 season average. The Rays are hoping Matz can provide leadership in the clubhouse and production on the field as they look to build on their success.

Why it matters

Matz's strong spring debut is an encouraging sign for the Rays, who signed the 34-year-old to a two-year, $15 million deal in the offseason. After spending most of last season as a reliever, Matz is set to take on a more significant workload in the Rays' rotation in 2026. His ability to regain his form and provide stability in the starting rotation will be crucial for the team's success.

The details

Matz gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one batter in his two innings of work. He said he was "toying with different pitches and locations" as he prepares for the season. Rays manager Kevin Cash noted that Matz's velocity is a positive sign, even though he doesn't necessarily need mid-90s velocity to be effective. Matz is expected to have a more straightforward path to a starting role this season, after the Cardinals had him prepare to start last spring before shifting him to a relief role.

  • Matz made his spring training debut on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Steven Matz

A veteran left-handed pitcher who signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays in the offseason. Matz is looking to bounce back after spending most of the 2025 season as a reliever.

Kevin Cash

The manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, who is excited about the addition of Matz and the leadership he can provide in the clubhouse.

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What they’re saying

“There's different pitches I'm toying with, different locations, things they brought [to] me, so it was fun kind of figuring that stuff out out there. This is the time of year to do it, so it was fun.”

— Steven Matz, Pitcher

“Not that he needs to have mid-90s velocities to go out and be good, but it's always nice to see that you've got it.”

— Kevin Cash, Manager

What’s next

Matz is expected to make his next Grapefruit League appearance on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, when the Rays face the Phillies in a split-squad game.

The takeaway

Matz's strong spring debut is a positive sign for the Rays, who are hoping the veteran left-hander can provide stability and leadership in their starting rotation as they look to build on their success in 2026.