The Minnesota Twins have made a key decision as they prepare for the upcoming season, optioning right-hander Zebby Matthews to Triple-A St. Paul. This move effectively finalizes their starting rotation, barring any last-minute changes due to injuries or trades.
Joe Ryan has been officially named the Opening Day starter, a decision that was anticipated after Pablo López was sidelined for the season following UCL surgery. The rotation will also feature right-handers Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson.
Ober, despite battling a hip injury last summer, has been a reliable presence in the Twins' rotation for several seasons. Woods Richardson, who has been shuttling between Minneapolis and St.
Paul, finished strong in 2025 and is out of minor league options, solidifying his spot.
With López's injury, the competition for the remaining rotation spots intensified. Matthews, along with fellow right-handers David Festa, Taj Bradley, and Mick Abel, were all in the mix.
Festa's early shoulder injury, though not long-term, places him on the injured list to start the season. This left Matthews, Bradley, and Abel in a tight race for the final two spots.
With Matthews now heading to Triple-A, Bradley and Abel have secured their places in the rotation.
Taj Bradley, acquired from the Rays in a trade for Griffin Jax, has shown promise despite some inconsistency. Celebrating his 25th birthday, Bradley's spring performance has been encouraging.
His 4.50 ERA might not stand out, but a 32.2% strikeout rate and a fastball averaging 96.9 mph are impressive. His ability to generate swings and misses is a positive sign for the Twins.
Mick Abel, another trade acquisition from the Phillies, has been making waves. Once a top-100 prospect, Abel struggled in 2024 but rebounded with a stellar Triple-A season last year.
His spring performance has been dominant, boasting a 2.00 ERA and a 34.8% strikeout rate. Abel's increased use of his slider and changeup has yielded strong results, making him a formidable addition to the rotation.
As for Zebby Matthews, the 25-year-old has shown potential in his previous stints with the Twins. While his strikeout and walk rates are solid, his tendency to give up home runs has been a concern.
Matthews relies heavily on his fastball and slider, but his changeup remains a work in progress. If he can refine his arsenal, particularly against left-handed hitters, Matthews could emerge as a valuable mid-rotation starter in the future.
With these moves, the Twins are set to tackle the season with a rotation that blends experience and youthful potential, aiming to make a significant impact in the league.