Another top prospect gets promoted as Twins youth movement continues to take over

Last season the Minnesota Twins experienced a youth movement that included top prospects like Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien, and Matt Wallner all making huge contributions to the team snapping its 19-year postseason losing streak.

That seems to have merely been the first wave of talent washing over the MLB roster.

Already this season the Twins have called up Austin Martin and David Festa -- both top prospects at their positions -- and debuted Brooks Lee at the beginning of July. Lee's arrival to the big leagues is unprecedented for a top prospect in Minnesota, but it might have been the first of many fast tracks.

On Tuesday the Twins promoted Zebby Matthews from Double-A Wichita to Triple-A St. Paul. It's the latest indication that the farm system's youth movement is as strong as ever, and that it's slowly taking over the organization.

Matthews has been on a tear this season, and his rise has been noticed by more than just those within the Twins. He started the year as just another one of Minnesota's top-tier prospects but earned Top 100 status in June when Baseball America updated its list.

It's not hard to see why.

Matthews still has some work to do before he gets the ultimate promotion to the MLB roster, but this seems to be a decision made with that in mind. He's been phenomenal this season, and there's a very clear path for him to making his debut this season.

It's been a difficult season for the Twins when it comes to figuring out its starting pitching situation. Pablo Lopez has been uncharaterisically bad, Anthony DeSclafani's season ended before it started, and Louie Varland has already come and gone as the fifth starter.

That back-end spot is where Matthews could sneak onto the MLB roster. Already the Twins have called up David Festa after placing Chris Paddack on the IL to get some rest and Simeon Woods Richardson was called up to spot start and then never surrendered his role.

If the Twins want to preserve arms like Joe Ryan and Baily Ober for the postseason, or even give Lopez some time to recharge and reset, then Matthews could be in a similar situation to Festa where he gets the call.

There's also the incredibly thin line the Twins are walking when it comes to being able to replace someone who gets injured. That was cause for concern earlier this year when Minnesota almost ran out of arms in St. Paul to make up for a rash of injuires.

Even if nothing ends up happening as far as a promotion, the fact taht Matthews is already at Triple-A rules. He's a Top 100 prospect who is only going to get better and he's the latest reminder of how bright the future is for the Twins.

More Minnesota Twins news and rumors