Matthews was diagnosed with a moderate subscapularis strain in his right shoulder Tuesday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.
Now that the Twins know exactly what kind of injury Matthews is dealing with, the plan is to shut him down for roughly two weeks. He'll be re-evaluated following his no-throw period, at which point a clearer timeline for his return may emerge. Simeon Woods Richardson was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday and figures to remain in Minnesota's rotation until Matthews is cleared to return.
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Twins' Zebby Matthews: Out with shoulder strain
Rotowire
The Twins placed Matthews on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to a right shoulder strain.
Though he pitched effectively this past Wednesday against the Athletics en route to claiming his first big-league win of the year, Matthews apparently came out of that outing with a shoulder injury. The loss of the right-hander is the second big blow to the Minnesota rotation in less than a week, after Pablo Lopez was shelved Thursday due to a right teres major muscle strain that will likely keep him out for 2-3 months. The Twins haven't named a replacement for Matthews, but Simeon Woods Richardson could be summoned from Triple-A St. Paul to fill the void.
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Twins' Zebby Matthews: Rolls to first win of season
Rotowire
Matthews (1-1) earned the win over the Athletics on Wednesday, allowing one run on four hits and three walks while striking out four batters over five innings.
Matthews held the A's scoreless until allowing a run in the fifth inning. Despite that tally, the right-hander emerged with his first win this season and just the second of his big-league career. Matthews didn't miss many bats Wednesday, notching a modest seven whiffs and finishing with a season-low four punchouts, but this was the first time through four starts this year that he's given up less than two runs and the second time he's completed five frames. Matthews appears to be becoming more entrenched in Minnesota's rotation, especially with Pablo Lopez (shoulder) facing an extended absence. Matthews' next start is lined up to be home matchup against a woeful Texas offense that has scored the fourth-fewest runs in the league so far.
Twins' Zebby Matthews: Overcomes shaky first inning
Rotowire
Matthews allowed four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out seven over seven innings in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Friday.
Matthews gave up back-to-back home runs to Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena in the first inning, putting the Twins in an early 4-0 hole. They were able to dig out of it, sparing the 25-year-old right-hander from taking his second loss. He hadn't allowed a homer over his first two starts and Matthews now has a 6.43 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB over 14 innings this season. Matthews' next start is tentatively projected to be on the road versus the Athletics.
Matthews didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Royals, giving up two runs on five hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out nine.
The young righty got the hook after 81 pitches (57 strikes) having established a career high for strikeouts in his 11th big-league start. However, Matthews once again failed to go deep into a game after lasting just three innings in his season debut May 18. His ability to miss bats isn't in question, but he'll need to become more efficient if he wants to stick around in the Minnesota rotation. Matthews will take a 7.71 ERA and 14:4 K:BB through his first seven innings into his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next weekend in Seattle.
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Twins' Zebby Matthews: Sticking in rotation
Rotowire
Matthews is slated to start Saturday's game against the Royals at Target Field.
Matthews entered the rotation last weekend as a replacement for righty Simeon Woods Richardson, who was demoted to Triple-A St. Paul after a string of poor outings. In his 2025 debut with the big club Sunday in Milwaukee, Matthews took a loss while giving up four earned runs on five hits and three walks while striking out five over three innings. Though he likely doesn't have a long leash in the Minnesota rotation, Matthews will get at least one more chance to redeem himself in his home start Saturday versus a Kansas City offense that has performed at roughly a league-average level (100 team wRC+) in May. With another rough start, however, Matthews could be at risk of a demotion himself, as David Festa is healthy again at Triple-A following a brief bout with arm fatigue and would make for an appealing alternative in the big-league rotation.
Twins' Zebby Matthews: Concedes four runs in season debut
Rotowire
Matthews (0-1) took the loss Sunday at Milwaukee, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks over three innings. He struck out five.
The Minnesota right-hander floundered in this 71-pitch outing despite the Brewers not managing to knock an extra-base hit. Matthews, who sported a 6.7 percent walk rate over 32.2 innings at Triple-A, struggled with his command, issuing an uncharacteristic three free passes. Despite this rough appearance, Matthews should stick in the Twins rotation given his stellar 1.93 ERA at St. Paul prior to his call-up. The 24-year-old currently lines up to make his next start at home against the Royals next weekend.
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Twins' Zebby Matthews: Promoted for 2025 MLB debut
Rotowire
The Twins recalled Matthews from Triple-A St. Paul ahead of his start against the Brewers on Sunday.
The right-hander is taking the rotation spot of Simeon Woods Richardson, who was demoted earlier in the week due to his 5.02 ERA through eight appearances. Matthews struggled in his first taste of the majors last year with 28 earned runs and 11 homers allowed across 37.2 innings, but he's been dominant so far in 2025 for St. Paul with a 1.93 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 38:9 K:BB over 32.2 frames.
Twins' Zebby Matthews: Expected to start Sunday for Twins
Rotowire
The Twins are expected to recall Matthews from Triple-A St. Paul to start Sunday in Milwaukee, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Simeon Woods Richardson was optioned to St. Paul on Thursday and the vacancy he leaves in the rotation will be filled by Matthews. The soon-to-be 25-year-old Matthews has been dominant this season at St. Paul, posting a 1.93 ERA and 38:9 K:BB over 32.2 innings covering seven starts. Matthews held a 6.69 ERA in nine outings last season for the Twins but boasted a 43:11 K:BB in 37.2 frames. He should be picked up in fantasy leagues where he's available.
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