Minnesota Twins DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Minnesota Twins pitching prospect Zebby Matthews went five innings for Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, allowing two earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out nine batters. It was the second start of the young season for the 24-year-old, now having allowed two earned runs in 10 innings pitched (1.80 ERA) on five hits, one walk, and totaling 13 strikeouts. Known for displaying impeccable command, the 6-foot-5 hurler has continued to limit the free passes this season while producing strong strikeout numbers. For his minor league career, the former eighth-round draft pick owns a 2.7 percent walk rate and a 29.0 percent strikeout rate. The righty made nine starts last season for the Twins, and although he was much more hittable, he still produced a solid 18.1 percent K-BB%. Look for Matthews to get the call sometime in May, if not sooner, and fantasy managers in deep leagues may want to consider stashing him ahead of time.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez (hamstring) left the game with trainers in the fifth inning while grabbing at the back of his right leg. He was in the middle of a solid outing, giving up one unearned run on three hits and a walk while striking out six over 4 2/3 innings. There has yet to be an official injury designation, but expect an update from the Twins soon. It would hurt to lose the ace of their staff, who is coming off of a 15-win season in 2024 where he posted a 4.08 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.UPDATE: Lopez was diagnosed with right-hamstring tightness.

Minnesota Twins infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and outfielder Matt Wallner are taking a seat on Tuesday against the division-rival Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium with left-hander Cole Ragans on the mound. Mickey Gasper will start at second base and bat ninth, while Harrison Bader is starting in right field and batting eighth in the lineup. This will be the 27-year-old Castro's first day off of the season after starting each of the club's first 10 games. He's gone 8-for-34 with a homer, four doubles, four RBI and a steal in 39 plate appearances. Wallner has been better as the team's primary leadoff hitter so far in 2025, batting .303/.410/.485 with four doubles, a triple, an RBI and five runs scored. Although Bader has hit .296 (8-for-27) with three homers and nine RBI early on, he'll be a low-upside DFS play on Tuesday. He has a hit in just two career at-bats versus Ragans.

The Detroit Tigers announced on Tuesday that they placed outfielder Manuel Margot (knee) on the 10-day injured list with left-knee inflammation and recalled outfielder Brewer Hicklen from Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move. Margot will miss at least the next 10 days after injuring his knee in the team's 6-2 win over the visiting New York Yankees on Monday. The Tigers signed the 30-year-old veteran given all the injuries to their outfielders early this year, but now Margot will be on the sidelines as well. The Dominican outfielder started the year off with Detroit going 6-for-19 with a run scored and three RBI in a short-side platoon role. He has no business being rostered in mixed fantasy leagues. Given all the injuries to Detroit's outfielders, Justyn-Henry Malloy and Ryan Kreidler should benefit the most from a playing-time perspective until one of Matt Vierling (shoulder), Wenceel Perez (spine) or Parker Meadows (arm) can return.

Although Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (hamstring) was cleared last weekend to start a running progression, the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Phil Miller reports that Lewis is around three weeks from being cleared to start a minor-league rehab assignment. "Any time they let me do something more, it's always pretty good," said Lewis. "I'll probably run three days in a row, take a break, then try to get on the bases. It's a long progression," Lewis said. The 25-year-old is feeling better since straining his left hamstring in spring training on March 16, but even if he avoids setbacks as he rehabs, it doesn't look like he'll be making his 2025 season debut until sometime in May. Lewis has plenty of power at the hot corner, but he continues to be set back by injuries. Jose Miranda and Willi Castro will continue to split time at third in Minnesota until Lewis is able to return.