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Minnesota Twins Rotation Takes Another Hit
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- Minnesota Twins Rotation Takes Another Hit
Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
When the Minnesota Twins started the season their rotation depth looked like an asset. That has been the case for a group that has performed among the best in baseball. Unfortunately that depth is now being tested all at once.
We're less than a week clear of Pablo Lopez exiting against the Athletics . That was determined to be a Grade 2 teres major strain and will cost him two months. Multiple teammates spoke about the field conditions in Sacramento, and it's disappointing to think that could have been the culprit.
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Zebby Matthews also made a start in Sacramento, and he's at least going to miss a couple of turns now too.
Zebby Matthews joins Minnesota Twins injured list
The Minnesota Twins sent Zebby Matthews to the mound on Wednesday against the Athletics. It has been suggested that the bump in Sacramento forces pitchers to throw "all arm." Now a few days later, the recently recalled started is headed to the injured list.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/bFIcCUZMdc
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 8, 2025
On Wednesday Matthews worked five innings of one-run ball. He allowed four hits while walking three and striking out four. It was a relatively uneventful outing. With Pablo Lopez on the injured list, Rocco Baldelli was ready to give his younger starters more of a leash .
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The shoulder strain means that Matthews is out for at least 15 days, and there's a relative level of concern considering the part of his body. Shoulder issues are not as straightforward as elbow problems for pitchers. They can have lingering effects and be substantially more troublesome.
Minnesota just promoted Matthews to take over for a struggling Simeon Woods Richardson . He has made just four starts (5.21 ERA 3.07 FIP) and now has to deal with this hurdle.
It stands to reason that Woods Richardson will be recalled to take over the open rotation spot. In the meantime left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe is back with the club after a brief rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints. He returns to a 0.00 ERA in 16 2/3 innings across 19 appearances. Coulombe's addition to the bullpen is a welcomed one, but the cost could be substantial.
Related: Minnesota Twins Blame A's Ballpark for Injuring Star Players
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Woods Richardson will need to immediately carry the load and look the part of a pitcher that took steps forward following his option. He posted a 4.24 ERA across 17 innings in three Triple-A starts. Woods Richardson owned a 19/4 K/BB.
The depth that the Minnesota Twins had for the starting rotation is now all but used up. Marco Raya hasn't looked ready, and Andrew Morris isn't on the 40-man roster. Now Baldelli needs those available to step up and injuries to leave every else alone.
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