Matthews (1-3) took the loss Friday, giving up four runs on nine hits and a walk over five innings as the Twins were downed 5-0 by the Royals. He struck out four.
While his offense gave him no support, Matthews once again left too many hittable pitches over the plate. The rookie right-hander served up his sixth homer in 22 big-league innings, a fourth-inning solo shot by Michael Massey, and while his 22:3 K:BB over that stretch demonstrates that the impeccable control he displayed in the minors remains intact, it comes with a 7.36 ERA and 1.59 WHIP. Matthews lines up to make his next start at home next week against the Angels.
... See More... See Less
Twins' Zebby Matthews: Takes first big-league loss
Rotowire
Matthews (1-1) took the loss against San Diego on Monday, allowing five runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out one batter over five innings.
Matthews was given a one-run lead in the top of the first inning, but he allowed the Padres to score twice in the bottom of the frame. The rookie hurler allowed three more runs in the third -- those were all unearned, though the error that led to them was committed by Matthews himself. The right-hander added to the miscue with a pair of walks in the inning, which was very uncharacteristic for him given his minuscule 0.6 BB/9 over 97 frames in the minors this season. Matthews' command has been consistently outstanding throughout his time as a pro, so that aspect of his pitching will likely carry over to the majors. However, he made only four appearances at the Triple-A level (and registered a 5.68 ERA over 19 innings) prior to his call-up to the majors, so fantasy managers would probably be wise to tempter expectations as he adjusts to facing big-league hitters.
... See More... See Less
Twins' Zebby Matthews: To make MLB debut
Rotowire
The Twins selected Matthews' contract from Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday. He'll start Tuesday's game against the Royals.
Matthews will make his MLB debut Tuesday against Kansas City, and if he performs well, could see additional starts due to Joe Ryan (shoulder) and Chris Paddack (forearm) being injured. The 24-year-old was exceptional at Double-A, logging a 1.95 across 55.1 innings, but he's struggled with St. Paul, posting a 5.68 ERA across four starts (19.0 innings). However, he tallied a 23:1 K:BB at Triple-A. He may be worth a look as a streamer in the future, but he carries some risk Tuesday against a solid Royals lineup.
... See More... See Less
Twins' Zebby Matthews: Receiving promotion to big leagues
Rotowire
The Twins are expected to call up Matthews from Triple-A St. Paul this week, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Minnesota has an opening in its rotation Tuesday against the Royals, and Matthews looks poised to fill that spot for what will be his MLB debut. The right-hander boasts a 2.60 ERA and 114:7 K:BB over 97 innings covering three stops in the minors in 2024. With Joe Ryan (shoulder) and Chris Paddack (forearm) both expected to miss several more weeks of action, Matthews will have an opportunity to pitch his way into additional starts with the big club.
