Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Zebby Matthews tossed five innings of one-run ball during his latest start with Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday evening. He allowed four hits, one walk, and struck out seven. Matthews has enjoyed a dominant start to the Triple-A regular season and is nearing a return to the major leagues. Over his first three starts, the right-hander has posted a stellar 1.80 ERA with a 0.73 WHIP. Across 15 innings, the Western Carolina product has struck out 20 batters and served up just two free passes. Matthews received a brief taste of the majors last summer but appears to have taken the next step in his development this season. Fantasy managers in standard formats should view Matthews as a strong stash candidate, as he could join Minnesota fairly soon with Pablo Lopez (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list.
Zebby Matthews Not Expected To Join Rotation This Week
Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Zebby Matthews is not expected to join the major league rotation this week. According to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic, the Twins are expected to continue to deploy a five-man rotation for the time being, even with Pablo Lopez (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression with Triple-A St. Paul, as he should be in the mix for an early return to the big leagues in the coming weeks. Last summer, Matthews received a brief taste of the majors as he logged 37 2/3 innings to the tune of a 6.79 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP. However, the Western Carolina product has begun taking the next steps forward at Triple-A this season, as he has held a 1.80 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, and a 1:13 BB:K across 10 innings. He remains a high upside stash in all standard formats.
Minneapolis Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale says not to be surprised if the Minnesota Twins use a temporary six-man starting rotation between off days, which could open up a spot for pitching prospect Zebby Matthews. David Festa will be promoted from the minors to start on Friday in place of right-hander Pablo Lopez (hamstring), who is headed to the injured list. The 24-year-old Matthews could also be promoted from Triple-A St. Paul after the right-hander has gone 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 13:1 K:BB in 10 innings over his first two starts in 2025 in the minors. Matthews, a former eighth-rounder in 2022 out of Western Carolina University, was inconsistent in his first nine big-league starts in 2024, going 1-4 with a 6.69 ERA and 1.65 WHIP with 43 strikeouts and 11 walks in 37 2/3 innings. In DFS and deep leagues, he could be a sneaky streaming option, depending on the matchup.
Zebby Matthews Strikes Out Nine In Latest Triple-A Start
Minnesota Twins pitching prospect Zebby Matthews went five innings for Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, allowing two earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out nine batters. It was the second start of the young season for the 24-year-old, now having allowed two earned runs in 10 innings pitched (1.80 ERA) on five hits, one walk, and totaling 13 strikeouts. Known for displaying impeccable command, the 6-foot-5 hurler has continued to limit the free passes this season while producing strong strikeout numbers. For his minor league career, the former eighth-round draft pick owns a 2.7 percent walk rate and a 29.0 percent strikeout rate. The righty made nine starts last season for the Twins, and although he was much more hittable, he still produced a solid 18.1 percent K-BB%. Look for Matthews to get the call sometime in May, if not sooner, and fantasy managers in deep leagues may want to consider stashing him ahead of time.
Zebby Matthews Twirls Five Shutout Innings At Triple-A
Minnesota Twins pitching prospect Zebby Matthews threw five shutout innings in his 2025 Triple-A debut, allowing just one hit and no walks while striking out four batters on the way to earning the win for St. Paul. Matthews has shown impeccable command during his minor league tenure, owning a miniscule 2.7 percent walk rate over 205 1/3 IP. The righty shows strong strikeout potential as well, striking out batters at a 28.7 percent rate, and has recorded a 3.20 ERA (2.97 FIP) with a 0.95 WHIP. Unfortunately, his nine-game major league debut in 2024 didn't go so swimmingly, registering a 6.69 ERA (5.72 FIP), 1.65 WHIP, and an 18.1 percent K-BB% over 37 2/3 IP. Expect the 6-foot-5 hurler to be back in the big leagues again this season, and despite last year's numbers, he'd be a worthy roster addition for most teams in deeper leagues that are in need of pitching help.
The Minnesota Twins have optioned right-handed pitcher Zebby Matthews to Triple-A St. Paul. Matthews was competing for a spot during spring training but fell short. He will begin his 2025 campaign with the St. Paul Saints. In spring training, the right-hander was one of the most dominant pitchers as he tossed nine 1/3 shutout innings. He allowed just four hits and held a near-perfect 1:12 BB:K ratio. The Western Carolina product made his MLB debut last season and struggled over his brief stint as he held a 6.69 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP across 37 2/3 innings. The right-hander held a strong 2.60 ERA with a stellar 0.87 WHIP across 97 innings split between High, Double, and Triple-A before reaching the majors. Fantasy managers should expect Matthews to be the first name called when the Twins need additional depth in their rotation.
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews (hip) tossed three shutout frames in his return on Wednesday. Matthews allowed just one base runner (via a base on balls) and tallied five punchouts. The young right-hander was dealing with a minor hip injury but appears to be past this given his strong performance. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during camp as he could have a chance to claim the No. 5 spot in the rotation. Last season, Matthews made his MLB debut and logged 37 2/3 innings with a high 6.69 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP. He tallied 43 punchouts while holding a strong 4.3 percent walk. In the minor leagues, he held a 2.60 ERA with a 0.87 WHIP across 97 innings across High, Double, and Triple-A. If he opens the season at Triple-A St. Paul, Chris Paddack will likely claim the final spot in the rotation.
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews (hip) is recovering well from his hip strain and is expected to throw a bullpen on Sunday. This is a great sign as the 24-year-old exited Thursday's spring training contest early with this injury. Fantasy managers should monitor his status after the bullpen as he could be nearing a return to game action if he performs well. Matthews is currently competing for a spot at the back of the starting rotation. Last season, Matthews made his MLB debut and logged 37 2/3 innings to the tune of a 6.69 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. However, removing two starts in which he allowed six or more runs, he held a solid 3.58 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP in the majors. Earlier in the summer, the Western Carolina product held a stellar 1.95 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP across 55 1/3 innings at Double-A. If this injury were to keep Matthews sidelined for a longer period in camp, David Festa could have a better opportunity to make the Opening Day roster.
Zebby Matthews Leaves Outing On Thursday With Injury
Minnesota Twins right-hander Zebby Matthews (ankle, foot) left Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the New York Yankees after making a nice play on a slow chopper near the foul line. Matthews' right ankle/foot slipped as he was making the play, but he was able to walk off the field under his own power. We'll have an update on the 24-year-old's injury once the Twins provide an update. The former eighth-round pick in 2022 out of Western Carolina University made his major-league debut in Minnesota last year and struggled to a 1-4 record, 6.69 ERA (5.71 FIP), 1.65 WHIP, 43 strikeouts and 11 walks in 37 2/3 innings in his first nine starts. Matthews began the year all the way down in High-A but rose quickly through the farm system, but he was unable to duplicate his strong control and high strikeout rates in his small sample size. He's a young arm to watch, though, given his combination of control and batt-missing stuff.
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews picked up his first victory in his big-league debut on Tuesday versus the Kansas City Royals. The rookie tossed five innings and allowed five hits, two runs, zero walks and struck out five. Overall, a solid performance for Matthews, who has rocketed up through the Twins system this season. The 24-year-old has had incredible command on the farm this system, walking just seven batters in 97 innings between High-A and Triple-A and if that can continue, he could be a good piece for managers down the stretch. Matthews figures to remain in the rotation with Joe Ryan (shoulder) sidelined and is worth consideration in deeper mixed leagues. Next up will be a date on the road against the Texas Rangers.
Zebby Matthews
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Twins
