Zebby Matthews had a rough road outing against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits (three home runs) and one walk with four strikeouts over six innings. In 36 1/3 innings across six starts since being recalled from Triple-A St. Paul on May 14, the right-hander has posted a 5.20 ERA with 30 strikeouts and a 1.18 WHIP. Matthews allowed three runs or fewer in four of his six outings, while his Thursday start marked the second in which he allowed seven runs.
For now, the Twins need Matthews in their starting rotation. After designating Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment and placing Bailey Ober on the IL, the team's rotation consists of Matthews, Joe Ryan, Taj Bradley and Connor Prielipp. Mick Abel appears ready to return soon, which will allow the team to have a complete five-man rotation.
Matthews could be an effective bullpen arm for the Twins
However, Matthews' inconsistency could still eventually cost him his rotation spot. He clearly has good stuff, with a fastball that averages about 95 mph and can reach the high 90s, and a slider that held opponents to a .077 batting average through his first five starts this season. He may have what it takes to be an effective reliever but not a big-league starter.
Matthews' fastball is relatively flat, allowing opponents to hit .357 against the pitch last season. However, hitters hit just .205 against the four-seamer through his first five starts of the year. His cutter, changeup, curveball and sinker have been hit hard for most of his career. If he can rely heavily on his slider and throw a ramped-up fastball as a bullpen arm, he could be an effective reliever for Minnesota. Unfortunately, it appears he may not have what it takes to be a starter.
At eight games under .500 and a depleted rotation, the Twins should keep Matthews in the rotation for now. If he can improve his command, the right-hander could figure things out as a starter. Minnesota doesn't appear to be a playoff contender. While that could change, it makes sense for the club to focus on development at this point in the season. Giving Matthews a longer look in the rotation is not only necessary given Minnesota's pitching injuries and the loss of Woods Richardson, but also because he still has the potential to be an effective starter, as unlikely as that may seem at this point.
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