Matthews was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday, Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports.
Matthews had a strong showing in spring training with 9.1 scoreless innings and a 12:1 K:BB. He could be the first starter called up when a spot opens in the rotation. Matthews could still find success in the majors this season with his minuscule walk rate (1.0 BB/9 career in minors), strong strikeout rate (10.2 K/9 career in minors) and velocity.
Twins' Zebby Matthews: Sharp in return from hip injury
Rotowire
Matthews (hip) threw three scoreless innings with five strikeouts and one walk in Wednesday's spring loss to Boston. It was his first outing since he suffered a strained hip during a Mar. 6 outing. "He probably had the sharpest outing that we've seen all spring," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Matthews exited his spring start last week due to what appeared to be an ankle injury but turned out to be a hip strain, but it sounds as though he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. He's battling for the fifth starter job but is likely to begin the season at Triple-A St. Paul as Simeon Woods Richardson and Chris Paddack (head) still appear on track to win the No. 4 and No. 5 starter roles.
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Twins' Zebby Matthews: Recovering from hip strain
Rotowire
Matthews (hip) is expected to throw a bullpen session Sunday, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
Matthews left Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees due to what appeared to be an ankle injury but turned out to be a hip strain. The injury doesn't appear to be serious, and how he responds to Sunday's bullpen session will determine his availability for the rest of spring training. Matthews spent most of the 2024 regular season in the minors, but he did make nine major-league starts for the Twins and posted a 1-4 record with a 6.69 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 43:11 K:BB across 37.2 innings.
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Twins' Zebby Matthews: Exits with trainer
Rotowire
Matthews was removed from Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees due to an apparent ankle injury, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.
Matthews slipped on his right foot/ankle while fielding a grounder in the fourth inning. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, which is a positive sign, but the Twins will likely take a closer look at the 24-year-old to confirm he didn't suffer any serious damage.
Twins' Zebby Matthews: Looks sharp in spring debut
Rotowire
Matthews threw two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and no walks in his first outing of the spring Saturday. He reached 97.4 mph with his fastball and also displayed a refined changeup which he worked to improve in the offseason, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Matthews was a fast-rising prospect last season who rose from High-A to the majors based on his impeccable control and strong strikeout rates but struggled in his first trip to the majors (6.69 ERA). He has an outside shot this spring to win the fifth starter role, but it's more likely he begins the season in Triple-A. He could still have a significant impact in the majors this season with his minuscule walk rate (1.0 BB/9 career in minors), strong strikeout rate (10.2 K/9 career in minors) and velocity.
Matthews didn't factor in the decision in Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Red Sox. He allowed a run on two hits with six strikeouts and two walks over 4.2 innings.
The right-hander kept Boston off the board through four innings but ran into trouble in the fifth. Matthews gave up a two-out double and was pulled at 87 pitches in favor of Cole Irvin, who issued a walk and served up a three-run homer. Matthews has allowed just four runs in his past three starts but has been unable to complete five frames in any of those outings. The 24-year-old is looking for his first win since his making his MLB debut Aug. 13, and his final chance before the end of the regular season will come this weekend versus Baltimore.
