As the Minnesota Twins gear up for Opening Day, the competition for spots on their active roster is heating up, particularly in the starting rotation. The latest development sees Mick Abel securing a spot, while Zebby Matthews is headed to Triple-A St.
Paul. This decision comes in the wake of Pablo López's season-ending Tommy John surgery and David Festa's shoulder inflammation.
With Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Taj Bradley, and Simeon Woods Richardson already locked in, the battle for the fifth spot boiled down to Abel and Matthews. Abel's spring performance was nothing short of impressive.
Over five starts, he maintained a 2.00 ERA with an 0.87 WHIP, striking out 18 and allowing just three walks. His velocity remained consistently high, peaking at 98.9 MPH, showcasing his potential as a dominant force on the mound.
Matthews, however, faced challenges. Despite starting strong against the University of Minnesota, his subsequent outings saw him struggle, posting a 5.73 ERA over 8 ⅔ innings.
More concerning was the fluctuation in his fastball velocity, which dipped from 97.2 MPH to 95.9 MPH before slightly rebounding. This decline is particularly troubling given Matthews' history of building velocity each year.
The Twins' decision to send Matthews to Triple-A isn't just about numbers; it's a strategic move to help him regain his form. Meanwhile, Abel's track record in Triple-A, where he earned the International League Pitcher of the Year award, leaves little doubt about his readiness. His final start of the previous season against the Phillies, where he pitched six scoreless innings, solidified his spot in the Opening Day rotation.
While Matthews will start the season in Triple-A, his return to the majors could be swift. Given the unpredictable nature of pitching health and the likelihood of needing a sixth starter for doubleheaders, Matthews might find himself back in the Twins' rotation sooner rather than later.
Twins fans can catch Matthews in action with the St. Paul Saints, where he's expected to be the Opening Day starter. This stint in Triple-A will provide him with ample opportunities to prove he deserves a spot in the big leagues.
Despite the early setbacks with López and Festa, the Twins are in a solid position with their rotation depth. They have a wealth of talent waiting in the wings, including prospects like Andrew Morris, Connor Prielipp, and Kendry Rojas, who could be called up as the season progresses.
With Matthews in St. Paul, the Twins can focus on further developing these promising pitchers, ensuring they have a robust rotation ready for any challenges the season might bring.