Spring Training Wrap-Up: Twins Solidify Rotation
FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Minnesota Twins kicked off spring training with a wealth of pitching options, boasting eight potential starters vying for five coveted spots. However, injuries quickly thinned their ranks, leaving a fierce competition for the final rotation slot.
On Friday, the Twins made their decision.
Zebby Matthews was optioned to Class AAA, cementing a starting rotation featuring Joe Ryan, Taj Bradley, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, and the standout performer of the spring, Mick Abel.
Manager Derek Shelton was full of praise for Abel, stating, “Everything we challenged him with, he accomplished. He earned his place on the team, and that’s no slight to Zebby. Mick simply went out there and won it.”
Though Matthews will start the season in the minors, the Twins foresee him playing a crucial role later this year. They’re also looking forward to David Festa’s return from a shoulder impingement and are dealing with the long-term absence of Pablo López, who’s sidelined following Tommy John surgery.
With López, a three-time Opening Day starter, unavailable, Joe Ryan will take the mound against Baltimore's Trevor Rogers next Thursday. This marks Ryan’s second Opening Day start, having previously earned the honor in 2022.
Ryan, who faced some back issues earlier this spring, is set for a final tune-up against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. The Twins haven’t finalized the rotation order following Ryan, but Bradley, Ober, and Abel are all slated for one more Grapefruit League appearance.
Mick Abel’s spring performance has been nothing short of impressive. With a 2.00 ERA over 18 innings, he’s fanned 23 batters while issuing just three walks, holding opponents to a .190 average.
General Manager Jeremy Zoll highlighted Abel’s growth, noting, “Since acquiring him last year, he’s refined his sweeper and sharpened his pitch mix. After a strong offseason and a stellar finish in Philly, he’s earned his spot.”
Abel joined the Twins last July in a trade that sent closer Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia. A first-round pick in 2020, Abel has made 10 major league appearances, ending last season with a dominant six scoreless innings against his former team.
Reflecting on his offseason, Abel shared that finishing the season on a high note fueled his drive. He focused on improving his curveball and sweeper command, with results evident this spring.
Shelton described the moment Abel learned he made the roster: “Seeing his excitement was special. I told him it was okay to smile.
He doesn’t show it often, but he was thrilled. There’s a lot of anticipation.”