Mick Abel pretty much guaranteed rotation spot after Twins optioned Zebby Matthews
The Minnesota Twins' Opening Day rotation is now set in stone. On the Twins.TV broadcast of the Twins game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, it was announced that right-handed starting pitcher Zebby Matthews was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul, making it clear that righty Mick Abel will be in the rotation to begin the season. Cory Provus and Glen Perkins interviewed Abel during the third inning, and Abel confirmed he will be on the Opening Day roster.
Entering spring training, it seemed unlikely Abel, whom the Twins acquired along with catching prospect Eduardo Tait from the Philadelphia Phillies for star closer Jhoan Duran last summer, would make the Opening Day roster. Abel was still undoubtedly part of the Twins' future plans, but the rotation appeared too crowded for him to begin the season on the 26-man roster.
While Abel's chances of making the Opening Day rotation increased after news broke that Pablo López would miss the entire season due to a UCL tear, most still assumed that Abel would barely miss the Opening Day roster cut, and the rotation would include Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Taj Bradley, Simeon Woods Richardson and Matthews.
Abel has simply outperformed Matthews this spring, which is why the former Phillie will be part of the big-league rotation to begin the 2026 campaign. In 18 innings over five starts this spring, Abel has allowed just four runs on 12 hits and three walks while striking out a jaw-dropping 23 batters. Abel's four-seam fastball has reached 98 mph this spring and has accounted for most of his strikeouts. He's also utilized his changeup, slider, sweeper and curveball to get some of his strikeouts.
Abel has struggled in the big leagues during his young career, but it appears he's finally unlocking his full potential. Even if it's just spring training, he's finding success against many established big leaguers.
As for Matthews, the righty hasn't looked great this spring, surrendering nine runs (seven earned) on 12 hits and four walks with nine strikeouts in 11 innings over three outings. While Matthews presumably entered camp with a better shot to make the Opening Day roster than Abel, Abel has proved he deserves the final rotation spot.
Matthews will be the next man up if a starter suffers an injury. The Twins are still hopeful he can pan out as a big-league starter, as he has a nasty pitch arsenal and has shown flashes of success in the big leagues. However, he has overall struggled in the majors. He may follow the path of Louis Varland and Griffin Jax by becoming a reliever in the near future.