Houston Astros: Phil Maton out for postseason after punching locker and fracturing hand

HOUSTON — Houston Astros Phil Maton met with the media before Game 1 of the American League Division Series, saying he was “selfish” after fracturing his hand in an emotional outburst.

When the ALDS roster came out for the Houston Astros on Tuesday before their first game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park, many were surprised that Astros reliever Phil Maton was not a part of the roster. However, a few minutes later, the reasoning became very clear.

Maton told media members in front of the Astros dugout that he had punched his locker after an outing on the last day of the regular season (a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies) where he gave up two hits and two runs while recording just one out. That punch resulted in a fractured fifth metacarpal (above his pinky finger) and caused Maton to undergo surgery on Monday.

“That last month, where I was really throwing the ball well, I felt like I just tossed it away on my last outing,” Maton said. “That’s what boiled over and caused it more than anything.”

With a cast on his right (throwing) hand, the 29-year-old Maton took complete responsibility for his actions and their impact on him and the team, calling it a “selfish” moment.

“I was upset,” Maton admitted. “It was short-sighted and selfish and I hope it doesn’t affect our team moving forward.”

Astros General Manager James Click described the injury as something that happened “off the field” and wouldn’t elaborate before Maton was made available. However, he did indicate that a decision to put Maton on the ALDS roster might have been a difficult one to make had the injury not occurred. Maton finished the season with a 3.84 ERA/4.33 FIP/1.249 WHIP.

“Phil’s had an up-and-down year and we were were having active discussions when we found out about the injury,” Click said. “We all saw how good he was last year in the playoffs, and one of the things we talked about with this roster was the priority of having postseason experience and guys who have been there before and been under the lights. What Phil did under the lights last season was very, very impressive.”

Maton saw action in 12 games for the Astros in the 2021 playoffs, including five of the six games in the World Series loss to Atlanta. He pitched 12.1 postseason innings last year and gave up just one hit and one run while walking three and striking out 14.

Despite the circumstances around the injury, Maton credited the Houston Astros for their support and understanding.

“They’ve been very supportive. Obviously they’re as disappointed in me as I am in myself, but Dusty has been super supportive,” Maton said.