Bryan Mata hits 98 mph with four-seam fastball while walks haunt him in latest outing
One of the most over-communicated storylines with the Red Sox right now is what the team will do with Bryan Mata. Boston will need to make a decision by July 15 as to whether to call him up to the 26-man roster, designate him for assignment with the hopes he will clear waivers, or trade him.
Mata made another appearance out of the bullpen in the WooSox’ 7-6 win over the Rochester Red Wings on Wednesday afternoon. The right-hander’s final line wasn’t pretty—he tossed two innings, gave up three runs on two hits, two walks, hit two batters, and struck out four.
Mata struck out three of the first four hitters he faced before getting into trouble hitting batters and giving up free passes.
“You don’t like to see the walks, but like overall, the vast majority of the outing, I thought he looked really, really great,” WooSox manager Chad Tracy said to reporters postgame. “Just started to get away from their last few hitters.”
There were some positives in the outing: Mata’s velocity was impressive, hitting 98 mph with his four-seam fastball. His heater sat around 96.7 mph during his appearance, per Baseball Savant.
Mata came into the middle of the third inning, taking over with two outs and nobody on. He drilled the first batter he faced, former WooSox outfielder Joey Meneses, but then struck out Nationals shortstop prospect Brady House on three pitches.
The righty would strike out two in the fourth inning, setting the side down in order. In the fifth inning, the wheels feel off for the 25-year-old. Mata hit the leadoff man, then quickly got two outs, but allowed back-to-back hits to load the bases. Following a two-run single from Alex Cal, Mata’s day was over.
Mata threw 49 pitches, 28 for strikes, including 8 whiffs.
“It’s just that the walks showed up,” Tracy said. “I thought he looked great....changeups landed, sliders landed, and then a leadoff walk, and you’re like, 'shoot.’”
Mata should get at least one more appearance before the July 15 deadline. Tracy wouldn’t confirm if the hurler would make his appearance as a starter or reliever.
