Simeon Woods Richardson made his return to the Minnesota Twins' starting rotation on Tuesday night. If anything, it was a reminder that the Twins must target a starting pitcher at the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline. Woods Richardson struggled in the Twins' 16-4 loss to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, giving up 6 runs on 7 hits in less than 5 innings of work.
Woods Richardson is filling in the Twins' rotation until Zebby Matthews returns. Matthews was placed on the IL over the weekend with a shoulder strain. At the time, the only information the Twins had on the injury to Matthew was that his strain was not as severe as the one Pablo López is dealing with. Prior to the game on Tuesday, the Twins did provide an update on Matthews, saying the starter will be shut down for at least the next two weeks.
#MNTwins say Zebby Matthews has been diagnosed with a moderate subscapularis strain in his right shoulder and will be reevaluated after not throwing for approximately two weeks.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) June 11, 2025
With Matthews not even throwing for the next weeks, it would seem that a return towards the end of July would be an optimistic timeline. With López out for the next 8-12 weeks, Woods Richardson and David Festa will be tasked to fill the voids in the rotation.
Twins' latest loss confirms their biggest trade deadline need
Woods Richardson's poor showing on Tuesday was a reminder that while the Twins have the pitching depth to eat innings at the Major League level, it may not be enough to remain in the conversation for the American League Wild Card race.
It's become increasingly clear what the Twins must do at the trade deadline. While the Twins' offense could certainly use a boost, the success of their pitching staff is what led to their surprise turnaround in May.
It would seem unlikely that the Twins would shop at the top of the market in their quest for a starting pitcher. Sandy Alcantara is an appealing name for the Twins' need in the rotation, but the financial commitment beyond this season could rule the Twins out as a player for the former Cy Young Award winner. Tyler Anderson of the Los Angeles Angels seems like the mold of the pitchers the Twins will target at the deadline. A veteran who has had success in the past and is in the final year of his current contract.