The Minnesota Twins injury-plagued rotation took a hit over the weekend as Joe Ryan is out indefinitely with a shoulder strain. The roation has taken a hit for the stretch run after Ryan’s injury, but reinforcements are on the way. Minnesota is calling up top pitching prospect Zebby Matthews, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. Matthews, 24, will fill in for the injured Ryan, who will likely make his MLB debut this week. The right-hander has been one of the fastest-rising prospects in baseball who boasts a 2.60 ERA and 114:7 K:BB over 97 innings covering three stops in the minors 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 Ryan and Chris Paddack (forearm) both expected to miss several weeks of action, this gives Matthews the chance to pitch his way into additional starts with the Twins. Matthews began the season at Class-A Advanced Cedar Rapids, he’ll receive his fourth promotion of the season. The Twins didn’t confirm the promotion, but they haven’t named a starter for Tuesday. Derek Falvey, the Twins’ president of baseball operations, hinted at Matthews joining the club last weekend.
Matthews posted a 5.68 ERA in four starts at Triple-A St. Paul, surrendering four home runs. However, he’s continued to display excellent control that generates plenty of swings and misses. At St. Paul, Matthews put up 23 strikeouts and one walk in 19 innings. Matthews has a five-pitch arsenal including a fastball sits in the mid-90s and tops out around 97 mph. His heater complements his cutter, slider, curveball and changeup as each play up because of his precision.
Minnestoa will lean on Matthews down the stretch. Pablo Lopez and Bailey Ober give the Twins healthy veterans for the rotation. It will be up to Simeon Woods Richardson, David Festa and Matthews to step up. Paddack is expected to rejoin the rotation at some point, but he remains out.
Matthews won’t be able to pick up enough innings to get a full year of service time in 2024. He will be under club control for six more seasons. He’s on track to be eligible for arbitration in the 2027-28 offseason.
Main Photo: © Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
