(3/20/2010)Matt Herges turns 40 on April 1 and is the oldest Kansas City Royals player in camp. Herges, who pitched last season with Cleveland and Colorado, is in spring training for the fourth time in the past five years as a non-roster invitee, trying to earn a major league job in the Royals' bullpen. "I know that's just the way it's going to be," Herges said. "If I'm going to continue to get an opportunity with a team, it's probably going to be in that facet because nowadays guys who are over 35, you have to be really good, an elite guy, to get a guaranteed deal. I'm not going to say I relish it because everyone would love to have a guarantee." Herges had solid numbers - 2-1 with a 3.55 earned run average - last season with the Indians, but was released in July. "I totally understand," Herges said. "They admitted they not going to do it this year and we've got to take a look at our young guys, we've got to build now for the future. So I was odd man out, it didn't hurt my feelings." Herges finished the season with the Rockies, going 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA. The Royals signed him to a minor league contract on Jan. 10. "Looking back throughout my career, not that I've had a great career, but I've been able to put on a uniform for 19 years and that just blows me away," Herges said. "It's humbling to say the least."
Royals give Herges spring invite
(1/11/2010) The Royals have agreed to a one-year minor league deal with right-hander Matt Herges and invited him to spring training. Herges is 43-35 with a 3.91 career ERA in 11 seasons with eight teams. Herges went 2-1 with a 3.55 ERA in 21 relief appearances for Cleveland last season.
(8/26/2009)Troy Tulowitzki's game-winning hit Tuesday made a winner of Matt Herges (1-0), who pitched a perfect 10th as the Rockies, who trailed the Dodgers by 15½ games on June, 3 sliced L.A.'s lead in the NL West to just two games.
Herges' contract purchased
(8/22/2009)Aaron Cook is headed to the disabled list with a right shoulder strain, a potential blow to the Colorado Rockies' playoff hopes. Cook was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday. An All-Star last season, the right-hander is 10-6 with a 4.47 ERA in 25 starts. To replace Cook on the roster, Colorado purchased the contract of right-handed reliever Matt Herges from Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Rockies take a shot with Herges
(7/17/2009) The Rockies have signed RP Matt Herges to a minor-league deal. He will report to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Herges released by Indians
(7/13/2009) The Indians released reliever Matt Herges on Monday. He had been designated for assignment.
Herges designated for assignment
(7/4/2009) The Cleveland Indians have activated recently acquired right-hander Winston Abreu and designated Matt Herges for assignment. Abreu was acquired Thursday from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor-league right-hander John Meloan and cash. He is the 26th pitcher to appear on Cleveland's active roster this season.
Herges designated for assignment
(7/4/2009) Indians RP Matt Herges said after Friday's game against the A's he had been designated for assignment. His roster spot is expected to be taken by RP Winston Abreu on Saturday. Abreu was acquired from Tampa Bay in a deal for RP John Meloan on Thursday.
Perez down, Herges up for Indians
(5/6/2009) The Indians optioned RP Rafael Perez to Triple A Columbus on Wednesday and called up RP Matt Herges instead.
Herges, Chulk headed to minors
(3/30/2009) The Indians have decided to keep Zach Jackson as the final member of the bullpen and have therefore said they will send RP Matt Herges and Vinnie Chulk to Triple-A Columbus.
Indians add RP Herges to fold
(1/16/2009) Right-hander Matt Herges and Jack Cassel -- the older brother of New England quarterback Matt Cassel -- agreed Friday to minor league contracts with the Cleveland Indians.
(9/2/2008) The Rockies activated reliever Matt Herges from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday. Herges was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 18 with lower back stiffness. He was 3-4 with a 5.09 ERA before the injury.
Herges begins a rehab assignment
(8/30/2008) Rockies RP Matt Herges, on the DL since Aug. 20 with lower back stiffness, began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Colorado Springs on Friday. He allowed one hit and recorded one strikeout in one scoreless inning.
Herges to rehab at Triple-A
(8/28/2008) Colorado RP Matt Herges, on the DL since Aug. 20 with lower back stiffness, was set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Colorado Springs. He is likely to play two out of three days then rejoin the Rockies on Sept. 2, the first day he's eligible to be activated.
Herges throws on side, feels good
(8/26/2008) Rockies RP Matt Herges threw on the side without pain Monday at San Francisco and is scheduled to do so again before going on a rehab assignment. Herges went on the DL with lower back stiffness on Aug. 20.
Herges' back issue lands him on DL
(8/20/2008) The Colorado Rockies placed reliever Matt Herges (lower back stiffness) on the 15-day DL and recalled reliever Ryan Speier on Wednesday.
Herges' ERA takes huge hit Monday
(5/27/2008) Rockies RP Matt Herges, a staple out of the bullpen in the early going, worked a disastrous third of an inning Monday at Philadelphia. He gave up four runs on six hit and one walk, raising his ERA from 2.63 to 3.90.
Herges a staple in Rockies bullpen
(5/7/2008) Rockies RP Matt Herges pitched two scoreless innings in his last appearance Monday against the Cardinals, striking out three. He has a 1.77 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 20 1/3 innings.
Herges cleared under new drug pact
(4/11/2008) Baseball players and owners agreed today to amend their drug agreement, a decision that allows for more frequent testing and eliminates 15-day suspensions assessed in December against Jose Guillen and Jay Gibbons. It also means Rockies pitcher Matt Herges, who was implicated in the Mitchell Report, will not face any punishment, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
No word on Herges suspension
(4/9/2008) Rockies RP Matt Herges said Tuesday he has heard nothing about his chance of avoiding suspension for his admitted use of performance-enhancing drugs., reports the Denver Post. "I don't know what to expect," said Herges, who made a public apology in February after being included in last year's Mitchell report. "I'm just trying to take every day normally and take things as they happen. I can't worry about it."
Herges prays for no suspension
(2/15/2008) There were hugs all around for Rockies reliever Matt Herges when the NL champions gathered for spring training Friday. "We've got your back," pitcher Aaron Cook assured the 37-year-old reliever, the only current Rockies player named in the Mitchell report on drugs in baseball. Herges' apology this week for using performance-enhancing drugs earned him support, but a penalty could await. "I'm praying there's no suspension," Herges said. "But if there is, that's the price I have to pay." For cheating -- and for coming clean. "Some people told me not to admit anything or I'd be opening myself up to a suspension," Herges said. "But I had to come out and tell people what I had done. It was a risk I was willing to take. I feel free now."
(2/13/2008) Rockies reliever Matt Herges and first base coach Glenallen Hill have issued written apologies for using performance-enhancing substances. Herges says he has "no excuse for my actions" and says he's deeply remorseful. Hill says he "made mistakes and poor decisions in my personal and professional life." He says those mistakes came late in his playing career. Both issued their statements Wednesday, the same day Roger Clemens his former personal trainer, Brian McNamee, testified before Congress about drug use in baseball.
Rockies complete deal with Herges
(11/30/2007) The Rockies agreed Friday to a $2.5 million, one-year deal with free agent reliever Matt Herges that includes a club option for 2009. The 37-year-old Herges started the season with Triple-A Colorado Springs, but became a key contributor in a second-half surge that carried the Rockies to their first NL pennant.
Rockies try to get Herges deal done
(11/30/2007) The Rockies are making a big push to re-sign reliever Matt Herges, a key contributor in a second-half surge that carried them to their first NL pennant, but they have conceded another free agent, second baseman Kaz Matsui, won't be back. Matsui is being courted by the Cubs and Astros. There are reports Herges has an agreement in place.
Report: RP Herges back with Rockies
(11/29/2007) The Rockies have reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with catcher Yorvit Torrealba and a one-year deal with an option for a second with reliever Matt Herges, according to MLB.com.
Herges files for free agency
(11/7/2007) Rockies reliever Matt Herges filed for free agency.
Herges, Hawkins rejuvenated
(10/19/2007) Matt Herges and LaTroy Hawkins have provided a fantastic front end to a brilliant bullpen, combining for 6 2/3 scoreless innings in the Rockies' unblemished postseason run. "This is incredible," Herges said. "I'm hearing from people I haven't heard from in a long time."
Herges picks up relief win
(9/1/2007) Matt Herges (3-0) got the win at Arizona Friday night as five Colorado pitchers combined on a three-hitter that included 3 1/3 hitless innings by the bullpen.
Herges pitching well for Rockies
(8/28/2007) RHP Matt Herges knew the end was near last winter when his phone never rang. Finally he started calling, looking for work, and took a minor-league job with the Rockies. He got a brief look with the Rockies early in the season; making two less than stellar appearances, but then got a more legitimate chance in early July. He has made good on it.
Herges, Corpas get it done in 'pen
(8/19/2007) Matt Herges (2-0) worked two scoreless innings for the win Saturday and Manny Corpas got three outs for his 11th save in 13 attempts.
Herges sits 'em down
(7/16/2007) RHP Matt Herges struck out Milwaukee's Ryan Braun Sunday to end the seventh with two men on base.
Rockies add Herges to bullpen
(7/3/2007) The Rockies placed RHP Jason Hirsh on the 15-day DL with a sprained right ankle and purchased the contract of RHP Matt Herges from Triple-A Colorado Springs. Taylor Buchholz will likely replace Hirsh in the Rockies' rotation if he is not ready after the All-Star break. Aaron Cook, who starts Tuesday night, can take Hirsh's turn Sunday on regular rest because of a Thursday day off.
Herges reports to Triple-A Rox
(4/29/2007) The Colorado Rockies outrighted Matt Herges to the minor leagues Saturday.
Rockies cut Herges Saturday
(4/21/2007) The Colorado Rockies placed reliever Ramon Ramirez on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right elbow Saturday and designated pitcher Matt Herges for assignment.
Rockies call up Herges
(4/19/2007) The Colorado Rockies placed right-hand pitcher Rodrigo Lopez on the 15-day disabled list before their game with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. Lopez allowed a run in four innings Wednesday night before leaving the game with tightness in his right elbow. He missed his start Sunday in Arizona because of inflammation in his right elbow. Lopez was 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA in three starts. "It was the smart thing and the right thing to do," said Colorado manager Clint Hurdle.
Rockies make some moves Friday
(3/23/2007) Rockies SS Clint Barmes was assigned after Friday's game, along with outfielder Cory Sullivan and pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez to AAA Colorado Springs. The Rockies also assigned infielder Erick Almonte and pitchers Mike Gallo and Matt Herges to minor league camp. Veteran pitcher Danny Graves was released.
Herges has a stinker Sunday
(3/19/2007) Matt Herges got only two outs while allowing five runs and four hits Sunday.
Rockies give Herges minor deal
(2/12/2007) Right-handed pitcher Matt Herges agreed to a minor-league contract Monday with the Rockies, who invited him to their spring training camp. The one-time closer for the Giants has a 32-29 record and a 3.89 ERA over his eight-year career that also includes stops with the Dodgers, Expos, Padres, Diamondbacks.
Ohka among FA pitchers to file
(10/30/2006) The following pitchers have filed for free agency through Sunday: Tony Armas, Joe Borowski, Roger Clemens, Octavio Dotel, Adam Eaton, Alan Embree, Shawn Estes, Jesse Foppert, Aaron Fultz, Matt Herges, Orlando Hernandez, Jason Johnson, Ray King, Brian Lawrence, Ted Lilly, Steve Kline, Gil Meche, Tom Martin, Brian Moehler, Tomo Ohka, Russ Ortiz, David Riske, J.C. Romero, Rudy Seanez, Jason Schmidt, Justin Speier, Mike Stanton, Steve Trachsel, David Weathers, Rick White, Randy Wolf and Kerry Wood.
Herges unavailable on Friday
(5/19/2006) Matt Herges was given permission to miss Friday's game so he could return home and see his newborn son. He will return Saturday.
Herges unavailable on Friday
(5/17/2006) The Marlins will be without Matt Herges on Friday, as he will return to Florida to spend the day with his newborn baby and Wife, Jane.
Matt Herges rejoins Marlins
(5/5/2006) RHP Matt Herges rejoined the team Thursday but said his newborn son, suffering from pneumonia, will remain in the intensive care unit for about 10 more days.
Herges (personal reasons) leaves Marlins
(5/4/2006) RHP Matt Herges arrived with the Marlins in Washington early Wednesday, but returned to South Florida in the afternoon to be with his wife and newborn son. Manager Joe Girardi said Herges' son, who was born Monday, had been in intensive care because of fluid in his lungs. Girardi said the baby was taken out of ICU Tuesday night. But "something came up (Wednesday). He called me and said, 'I gotta go.'"
Herges rejoins team Tuesday
(5/3/2006) RHP Matt Herges rejoined the team Tuesday after being with his wife for their birth of their son Monday. But he might miss the team's trip to Washington that starts Tuesday. Bryce Matthew Herges is in intensive care because of fluid in his lungs. "He'll be fine. He's not battling for his life. He just can't get the oxygen he needs on his own so they're giving him oxygen," Herges said. He planned to talk to his wife's doctors Monday night. "If we get good news, then I'll go on the trip. If not, then I'm going to stay."
Herges misses Monday's game
(5/2/2006) Right-hander Matt Herges missed Monday's game to be with his wife, Jane, who delivered the couple's third child, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Herges picks up loss
(4/17/2006) Matt Herges (0-1) allowed two hits and three unearned runs in the ninth to get the loss against Washington Sunday.
(4/3/2006) The Marlins added RHP Matt Herges to the 40-man roster.
Decision looms on Marlins' Herges
(3/29/2006) If the Marlins don't tell Matt Herges and Kerry Ligtenberg by Wednesday they will be on the opening day roster, the relievers can decide to become free agents. OFs Matt Cepicky and Mike Kinkade have similar provisions in their minor league contracts. Ligtenberg (2.53 ERA) allowed three runs in two innings Tuesday.
Marlins' Herges has uphill battle
(2/27/2006) Marlins newcomers Kerry Ligtenberg and Matt Herges have experience as closers, and rookie Travis Bowyer is candidate for the job, but Joe Borowski is the early favorite. "It's a huge opportunity for him," manager Joe Girardi said. "He's healthy, and he hasn't been healthy the last couple of years in Chicago, and that hurt him."
Marlins inviting Herges to camp
(1/28/2006) Matt Herges will be in Marlins camp as a non-roster invitee. The former closer will compete for a bullpen spot for the rebuilding Marlins.
Herges clears, goes to Triple-A
(6/28/2005) The Arizona Diamondbacks assigned RHP Matt Herges to Triple-A Tucson after he cleared waivers.
Herges designated for assignment
(6/19/2005) Arizona has designated Matt Herges for assignment. Herges, acquired from San Francisco on June 3, had a 13.50 ERA in seven relief appearances with Arizona. Overall this season, including 21 games with the Giants, he was 1-1 with a 7.14 ERA. He gave up home runs to the first two batters he faced -- Cleveland's Jhonny Peralta and Grady Sizemore -- in the third inning of the Diamondbacks' 13-6 loss Friday night.
Herges might close some games
(6/5/2005) D-Backs manager Bob Melvin likes the flexibility RHP Matt Herges brings to the bullpen. Herges was acquired in a trade from San Francisco on Friday. "He's a veteran guy we wanted down there," Melvin said, adding Herges could close some games.
Herges traded to Arizona
(6/3/2005) The D-Backs acquired Matt Herges from the Giants in exchange for Doug DeVore Friday.
Herges designated for assignment
(5/29/2005) Giants releiver Matt Herges was designated for assignment Sunday after the club acquired LaTroy Hawkins from the Cubs. Herges was 1-1 with a 4.71 ERA in 21 appearances this season. He allowed four runs and five hits in Friday's 9-3 loss to the San Diego Padres, but had a 2.12 ERA in 19 outings from April 7 to Thursday.
Herges to see save chances
(4/27/2005) Manager Felipe Alou said Matt Herges will likely see save chances, along with veteran Jeff Fassero, with Armando Benitez (hamstring) out for four months.
Herges might be Giants' top option
(4/27/2005) Matt Herges is expected to lead a bullpen-by-committee approach for the Giants while Armando Benitez is on the DL with a strained hamstring. Veteran lefty Jeff Fassero is also a candidate, according to MLB.com.
Herges ready to go for season
(4/3/2005) Giants reliever Matt Herges, sidelined with the flu for four days along with his entire family, pitched 1/3 of an inning Saturday. "I'm 100 percent," he said.
Herges out with the flu
(3/30/2005) Matt Herges was unavailable for Tuesday's spring game against Arizona due to the flu.
Herges ready to be an understudy
(3/1/2005) Matt Herges added muscle to his upper body after tiring late last season. "I think we all just knew that this was going to be an important spring for everybody," Herges said. "You want to give yourself the best opportunity possible. I didn't want to be here today and be wishing I had done more in the winter. When you have a bona fide closer, everyone else can kind of settle in. It's a more comfortable bullpen. The fact you can rest, and the fact you have a stud at the end of the game who you can count on every day, is huge. That makes everyone better, without a doubt."
Matt Herges to wait in line
(8/3/2004) Herges might still have a chance to re-claim his closer's role at some point, but manager Felipe Alou will give Dustin Hermanson a chance to close on Tuesday. "It gives us a guy with a fresh arm down there," manager Felipe Alou said. "(Tuesday), if we have a lead, Hermanson will close."
Herges socked around Saturday
(8/1/2004) Matt Herges allowed two earned runs and three hits in only two-thirds of an inning on Saturday against the Cardinals.
Herges could return to closer role
(7/26/2004) Matt Herges pitched a perfect eighth inning on Sunday and might have regained hope of returning to the closer role, according to the San Jose Mercury News. "Herges is going to emerge again," manager Felipe Alou said. "He's not getting a lot of rest physically, but he is mentally. Every day he's been up in the pen. I think he's ready to come back, but I don't believe I'll be going to give him every save situation."
Herges' closer hold loosens
(7/22/2004) The San Jose Mercury News reports that Giants manager Felipe Alou mentioned that he could turn to anyone in the bullpen to finish games now that Matt Herges is struggling to close games. "Matty is having a tough time right now," said Alou. "He carried us the first half of the season, but his arm might be a little tired now. I don't see the ball leaving his arm with too much life."
Herges to remain Giants' closer
(7/19/2004) Giants manager Felipe Alou told the San Jose Mercury News that Matt Herges will remain his closer despite the right-hander recording his seventh blown save of the season on Sunday. "I'm not losing confidence," Alou said of Herges. "He's our closer. We don't have another guy here even close to being a closer. He's the guy until further notice. It's not a matter of losing confidence or having confidence -- he's the guy."
Herges among save leaders
(6/7/2004) Matt Herges ranks third in the National League with 16 saves. He has blown three, however. He has also posted a 5.72 ERA and 1.59 WHIP. Batters are hitting .322 against him, as well.
Herges knocked around Sunday
(5/16/2004) Matt Herges allowed three runs and five hits in only 1/3 of an inning on Sunday against the Pirates.
Herges blows his second save
(5/9/2004) Matt Herges allowed one run in the ninth inning on Saturday at Cincinnati to blow his second save of the season.
Herges shuts the door twice
(5/2/2004) Matt Herges pitched back-to-back hitless appearances Friday and Saturday against Florida, and now has nine saves in 10 chances.
Giants' manager backing Herges
(4/21/2004) The Contra Costa Times says Felipe Alou gave the struggling Matt Herges a vote of confidence. "Herges is the guy," Alou said. "Matty right now is adjusting to that role."
Herges picks up another save
(4/7/2004) Matt Herges allowed three hits in 1 1/3 innings in Tuesday's game at Houston, but he did not allow a run and picked up his second save in as many nights.
(4/6/2004) Matt Herges threw a perfect ninth inning in Monday's opener at Houston to record his first save.
Herges to open as closer
(3/28/2004) Matt Herges will begin the season as the San Francisco closer. According to the Contra Costa Times, general manager Brian Sabean confirmed veteran Robb Nen (shoulder) will begin the season on the disabled list.
Matt Herges might close
(2/23/2004) The Contra Costa Times says Felipe Alou has anoited Matt Herges as his closer-in-waiting if Robb Nen isn't ready to pitch at the beginning of the regular season. "Right now, if Robbie doesn't come back -- and I hope he does -- if Felipe wants to give me the ball in the ninth, I'm going to make it as simple as possible. I'm not going to come into spring training thinking I'm going to potentially be the closer," Herges said. "I'm going to try to get outs as best I can, whether it's the fourth or the ninth. If it happens to be the ninth, great."
Herges re-inks with Giants
(12/6/2003) San Francisco signed Matt Herges to a two-year contract Friday.
Herges makes debut as Giant
(7/18/2003) Matt Herges tossed two scoreless innings on Thursday against Colorado in his first appearance for San Francisco.
Herges traded to San Francisco
(7/14/2003) The Giants acquired Matt Herges from the Padres in exchange for minor-league pitcher Clay Hensley and either a player to be named or cash.
Herges grabs third save
(6/3/2003) San Diego's Matt Herges closed out Monday's game against Arizona in San Diego for his third save in five chances.
Herges finishing in San Diego
(5/29/2003) Bruce Bochy told the San Diego Union-Tribune Matt Herges is his primary closer right now.
Matt Herges earns first save
(4/23/2003) Herges tossed two perfect innings on Wednesday at Chicago Cubs to earn his first save of the season. He struck out three batters.
Herges signs with Padres
(3/31/2003) Matt Herges signed a minor-league deal with the Padres.
Herges waived on Wednesday
(3/26/2003) Matt Herges was placed on waivers on Wednesday. He will most likely land with another team before opening day.
(12/20/2002) The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Herges from the Montreal Expos on Friday. The Expos received minor-league pitchers Chris Young and Jon Searles in the deal. Herges will likely serve as a setup man in Pittsburgh, and he has less of a chance at save opportunities than he had in Montreal. He'll have very little Fantasy value in 2003.
(4/5/2002) The trade of Scott Strickland to the Mets opens the door for Herges to become Montreal's full-time closer. He should earn a good amount of saves in a low-pressure atmosphere.
(3/26/2002) According to the Montreal Gazette, there is no indication that Herges will get to close yet for the Expos. "He's going to help, but we haven't defined the roles of the bullpen pitchers yet," Frank Robinson said. Herges will become a closer candidate only if Scott Strickland falters.
(3/24/2002) Herges was traded to Montreal, where he may become a setup man. The move certainly decreases his Fantasy value, because Herges was expected to be a closer candidate in Los Angeles.
(2/18/2002) Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said Saturday that he will use a closer-by-committee system to open the season, meaning Herges won't be the go-to guy necessarily. Paul Quantrill and Giovanni Carrara are two other pitchers who will be given chances, and Tracy said the job will not be won in training camp. As things stand, don't expect any one of these three to get the full-time job, and instead try to grab two or all three of them to protect your investment.
(7/23/2001) According to the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers are resisting trade proposals involving Herges because they want him to become the closer in 2002 if Jeff Shaw is not re-signed. Shaw has been counseling Herges daily on the nuances of being a closer, much as Jeff Brantley did with Shaw when the two were with the Reds. Herges could be a useful pickup in NL-only keeper leagues as a result.
(8/3/2000) Herges will take LHP Carlos Perez' spot in the starting rotation. Perez goes to the bullpen in middle relief. Herges has pitched well in relief. Stamina may be an issue, but he could be effective for 5 innings.
