Matzek (shoulder) was cleared to begin a long toss routine Friday, Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw has been sidelined for a month so far due to shoulder inflammation, but he's ready to take the next step in his recovery. Matzek doesn't appear to be particularly close to rejoining the Atlanta bullpen, and he might need a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated from the IL.