Zebby Matthews is making a strong case for his place in the Twins' rotation, and it's hard not to be impressed by his recent performance. In just one game, Matthews showcased his talent and potential, throwing seven shutout innings against the Marlins. This outing was a testament to his ability to execute his game plan effectively, as he mixed in a variety of pitches and consistently pounded the zone. Matthews' performance is all the more impressive given the current state of the Twins' rotation, with several key players on the injured list. With only Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober currently pitching well, Matthews' strong showing could be a turning point for his career.
What makes Matthews' performance particularly noteworthy is his ability to stay aggressive on the mound. By pounding the zone and making hitters put swings on his pitches, he was able to get quick outs and keep the Marlins from threatening. His pitch selection was also impressive, as he threw over 67% of his pitches for strikes and averaged a blazing 94.8 miles per hour on his four-seam fastball. Matthews' performance is a reminder that sometimes, a simple game plan executed well can lead to success.
Matthews' journey to this point has not been without its challenges. He spent most of the 2025 season in the Twins' rotation but struggled in Spring Training, which led to him being optioned to St. Paul. However, he has since bounced back, posting a 2.67 ERA and striking out 28 batters over his last five starts in the Minor Leagues. This resurgence has undoubtedly caught the attention of the Twins' management, who are now faced with a difficult decision regarding their rotation.
The Twins have one open rotation spot due to injuries, and Matthews' performance has put him in the running for that spot. However, there are no guarantees, and the team must consider the struggles of Woods Richardson, who has a 9.79 ERA over his last seven starts. Matthews' ability to perform in both the big leagues and Triple-A is a testament to his resilience and adaptability, and it will be interesting to see how the Twins' management leverages his potential moving forward.
In my opinion, Matthews' performance against the Marlins is a strong indicator of his ability to contribute to the Twins' rotation. His aggressive approach, combined with his pitch selection and performance in both the big leagues and the minors, makes him a player to watch. As the Twins navigate their current challenges, Matthews' talent and potential could be the key to their success in the coming months.
