Once the Minnesota Twins' starting rotation is at full strength (not including Pablo López), the team will have a tough decision to make. Unless Minnesota suffers another injury to a starting pitcher, the team's rotation will soon be led by Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober and Taj Bradley. Meanwhile, candidates to fill the two remaining spots are Connor Prielipp, Mick Abel and Zebby Matthews. At this point, it feels safe to assume that Simeon Woods Richardson is a reliever going forward.
Even though Matthews has looked sharp since being recalled on May 14, surrendering just two earned runs in 13 innings across two starts, he will likely be the odd man out in the rotation. Before being placed on the IL, Abel hurled 13 scoreless innings across two starts. Prielipp, the Twins' top pitching prospect, has been outstanding in his first big-league season, posting a 2.88 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 25 innings over five starts.
While the Twins could consider converting Matthews to a bullpen role, his strong two big-league outings this year prove he still has the potential to be a major-league starter long term. Therefore, the Twins may demote Matthews back to Triple-A St. Paul. Even if Matthews is optioned, Minnesota will most likely need the righty later in the year unless he suffers an injury.
Another option for Minnesota when Bradley and Abel return is to use a six-man rotation.
Could Twins go with a six-man rotation when Bradley, Abel return?
Rolling with a six-man rotation could be in the Twins' best interest, mainly due to Prielipp's long injury history. The southpaw threw a career-high 82 2/3 innings last season after logging just 57 2/3 innings from 2020-24 with Alabama and the Twins' Single-A affiliates because of various injuries. Prielipp is on pace to shatter his personal innings record this year, already throwing 40 2/3 innings between Minnesota and Triple-A St. Paul.
A six-man rotation would allow Prielipp an extra day of rest in between starts, which may be necessary. If Minnesota operates with six starters, the team will have one fewer bullpen arm. However, the Twins have several relievers capable of throwing multiple innings in an outing, including Woods Richardson, Andrew Morris and Kendry Rojas, all of whom could also occasionally serve as openers.
Prielipp is slated to start in the series opener against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park at 6:10 p.m. CST on Friday. The Red Sox will also be going with a lefty on the mound, with Payton Tolle scheduled to start.
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