Steven Matz: Everything you need to know

Matz (4-1) notched the win Monday against the Guardians, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk in seven innings. He struck out two. Matz did serve up a two-run home run to Daniel Schneemann in the fifth inning, but it was smooth sailing otherwise for the hurler. The 34-year-old southpaw turned in his longest outing of the campaign so far, though the two strikeouts did match a season low. Matz has been serviceable for the Rays during his transition back into a starter, posting a 4.31 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 27:11 K:BB over 31.1 frames, and he should hold onto streaming appeal with a home start against the Giants on tap for this weekend.

Matz (3-1) took the loss Tuesday against the Reds, allowing four runs on four hits and four walks with four strikeouts across three innings. Matz didn't have it Tuesday, as he was shelled for three homers in the first two innings while walking a season-high four batters before being yanked after needing 77 pitches to record nine outs. Matz had gone at least five innings in each of his previous four starts to begin the 2026 campaign. The left-hander now owns a 4.81 ERA and 25:10 K:BB across 24.1 innings. Matz's return to starting has gone pretty well for the most part through the first month of the season.

Matz took a no-decision Wednesday against the White Sox, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk in 5.1 innings. He struck out four. Though Matz threw a season-low 74 pitches Wednesday, he was still able to turn in a solid outing overall. The veteran southpaw is putting together an effective transition back to the rotation with the Rays in 2026 so far, having now tossed at least five frames in each of his first four starts. Matz has a quality 3.80 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 21:6 K:BB over his first 21.1 innings, and he should maintain streaming appeal in his next scheduled start at pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field versus the Reds.