First-place Rays moving struggling Matz to bullpen…

The Tampa Bay Rays are making a change to the lineup for left-handed pitcher Steven Matz. He will be moving from the starting rotation to a relief role in the bullpen. Team manager Kevin Cash made the announcement on Saturday.

“It’s not going to be permanent,” Cash said. “He will pitch out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future and then we will reassess.”

The 35-year-old Matz (4-3) allowed five runs and six hits, including two home runs, in 1⅔ innings during Tuesday’s 8-0 loss against the Detroit Tigers. Cash pulled Matz after only 53 pitches, citing a drop in his fastball velocity – 92 mph compared to his average of 93.3 mph.

“We’ll figure it out,” Cash said. “I think he’ll be in line right now to provide a lengthier role on that day, but we’re not just going to start him unless we have to.”

Matz, who signed a two-year, $15 million deal with Tampa Bay in December, returned from the injured list on May 20 after dealing with elbow inflammation. He has allowed 11 earned runs, 13 hits and three home runs, giving up 11 earned runs while striking out four, in 4⅔ innings over his last two starts.

Matz finished 5-2 with a 3.05 ERA and two saves last season in a career-high 53 appearances with the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox, striking out 59 and walking 11 in 76⅔ innings.

Tampa Bay leads the American League East by 1½ games entering Saturday’s play.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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