REPORT: Twins Add another crucial fresh Face to Lineup
The Minnesota Twins’ injury-riddled rotation took another blow this weekend as Joe Ryan is sidelined indefinitely with a shoulder strain. With Ryan’s absence impacting their rotation during the crucial stretch run, the Twins are set to bring in reinforcements. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Minnesota is calling up top pitching prospect Zebby Matthews. The 24-year-old right-hander, who has been rapidly climbing the prospect rankings, is expected to make his MLB debut this week. Matthews has posted an impressive 2.60 ERA and a 114:7 K:BB ratio over 97 innings across three minor league levels in 2024.
The Minnesota Twins are calling up right-hander Zebby Matthews, one of the fastest-rising prospects in baseball this year, sources tell ESPN. Matthews, an eighth-round pick out of Western Carolina in 2022, has 114 strikeouts and seven walks in 97 IP. Elite command, good stuff.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 12, 2024
Zebby Matthews Receives Promotion to Twins Roster
With both Joe Ryan and Chris Paddack (forearm) expected to miss several weeks, Zebby Matthews now has a chance to secure additional starts for the Twins. Matthews, who started the season at Class-A Advanced Cedar Rapids, is poised for his fourth promotion of the year. While the Twins haven’t officially confirmed the move, they have yet to name a starter for Tuesday, and Derek Falvey, the team’s president of baseball operations, hinted last weekend that Matthews could join the club.
Although Matthews struggled with a 5.68 ERA in four starts at Triple-A St. Paul, allowing four home runs, he has continued to demonstrate excellent control, leading to plenty of swings and misses. In 19 innings at St. Paul, he recorded 23 strikeouts against just one walk. Matthews features a five-pitch repertoire, including a mid-90s fastball that tops out around 97 mph, along with a cutter, slider, curveball, and changeup. His precision enhances the effectiveness of each pitch.
Minnesota will rely on Matthews as they push through the stretch run. While Pablo Lopez and Bailey Ober provide veteran stability, the team will need contributions from Matthews, Simeon Woods Richardson, and David Festa. Paddack is expected to return to the rotation eventually, but he remains out for now.
Matthews won’t accumulate enough innings to qualify for a full year of service time in 2024, meaning he will be under team control for six more seasons. He is on track to become arbitration-eligible in the 2027-28 offseason.