Twins Recall Zebby Matthews from Triple-A St. Paul
The Minnesota Twins have made a significant move by recalling right-hander Zebby Matthews from Triple-A St. Paul. This decision comes as the team prepares for an important road game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Matthews, only 24 years old, was given the opportunity to showcase his skills in the major leagues once again.
Matthews’ Performance Against the Brewers
In his debut for the major league this season, Matthews struggled, lasting just three innings and giving up four runs on five hits in a 5-2 loss against the Brewers. While he managed to record five strikeouts, he also walked three batters, raising questions about his command on the mound. This disappointing outing marked the end of the Twins’ impressive 13-game winning streak , showcasing just how challenging major league baseball can be for young, emerging talent.
Matthews’ Previous Season Statistics
Last season, Matthews closed out his time with the Twins’ rotation, finishing with a 1-4 record and a 6.69 ERA across nine starts . However, his time in St. Paul this season has been more productive, where he posted a 2-1 record with a 1.93 ERA over seven starts . His impressive totals include 38 strikeouts and just nine walks in 32⅔ innings , marking him as a promising player for the Twins’ future rotations.
Carson McCusker Joins the Roster
In addition to Matthews’ recall, the Twins have selected the contract of outfielder Carson McCusker . At 26 years old, McCusker stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 250 pounds, making him an imposing figure at the plate. His performance this season in St. Paul has been nothing short of outstanding, as he currently boasts a .350 batting average with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs in just 38 games . This talented outfielder represents a significant power threat for the Twins as they strive to strengthen their lineup.
Twins’ Recent Pitching Success
Entering their matchup against the Brewers, the Twins had enjoyed a remarkable streak of three consecutive shutouts , with a pitching staff that is statistically impressive, recording a collective 3.15 ERA —ranking No. 3 in the majors . Matthews started the game by pitching a scoreless first inning, which added to the Twins’ remarkable 34 straight shutout innings , the longest streak in the franchise’s history since its inception in 1961. Before this streak, the Twins had three longer shutout stretches when they were known as the Washington Senators —with the last occurring way back in 1913.
Injury Update for the Twins
To facilitate Matthews’ call-up, the team placed reliever Danny Coulombe on the 15-day injured list due to a left forearm extensor strain . This move, retroactive to Thursday, is concerning because Coulombe has yet to allow a run this season over 16⅔ innings . Twins manager Rocco Baldelli expressed his thoughts regarding Coulombe’s condition, stating, “It’s obviously not good, but I’m not overly concerned. Danny hasn’t been available since his last performance, and we’ve been managing around his absence. He’s shown good improvement, but we need to ensure he’s ready before returning to play.”
Dealing with Multiple Injuries
Unfortunately for the Twins, Coulombe isn’t the only player dealing with injuries during this weekend series. Shortstop Carlos Correa and center fielder Byron Buxton both landed on the seven-day concussion list after a dramatic collision while pursuing a shallow fly ball during Thursday’s game in Baltimore. The absences of significant players like Correa and Buxton put additional pressure on the Twins’ depth and lineup flexibility as they navigate the challenges of the regular season.
Adjustments to the Roster
In order to make space for McCusker on the roster, the Twins moved rookie Luke Keaschall to the 60-day injured list following a serious injury he sustained—a fracture in his right forearm during a game against the Los Angeles Angels on April 25. These roster changes reflect the team’s ongoing challenges as they work to maintain a competitive edge in the American League Central.
The Minnesota Twins are clearly facing a rollercoaster season, balancing the emergence of new talent like Zebby Matthews and Carson McCusker while managing significant injuries to key players. The upcoming games will be crucial as the team aims to bounce back and regain its winning momentum.