Zebby Matthews DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews showed off his swing-and-miss stuff during a start against the Columbus Clippers on Sunday. Matthews went four innings, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out five batters in a no-decision. The right-hander has struggled during his last two starts, but the five punchouts is nice to see. Despite his recent struggles, Matthews still holds a 2.30 ERA with 34 strikeouts with Triple-A St. Paul this season. There is still a good chance that we see Matthews on the big league mound at some point this season. However, he'll likely need to clean it up a bit before the Twins decide to bring him into their rotation.

MinnesotaTwins pitching prospect Zebby Matthews lasted 4 2/3 innings in his latest start on Sunday for Triple-A St. Paul, and although he allowed only two runs and two hits while striking out five, he was uncharacteristically erratic, walking four batters and throwing two wild pitches. The righty had just three walks total over his previous four starts heading into Sunday and owns a pristine 3.2 percent walk rate during his minor-league career. Hopefully the lack of control was a one-game hiccup that he can shake off in his next start. With a 1.93 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and a 23.4 percent K-BB%, the 6-foot-5 hurler is once again standing on the doorstep to the majors after making nine starts for the club last season. He's expected to get the call within the next month or so, and although he isn't a must-stash, fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider him as a waiver-wire pickup whenever he's recalled.

Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Zebby Matthews tossed five innings of one-run ball during his latest start with Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday evening. He allowed four hits, one walk, and struck out seven. Matthews has enjoyed a dominant start to the Triple-A regular season and is nearing a return to the major leagues. Over his first three starts, the right-hander has posted a stellar 1.80 ERA with a 0.73 WHIP. Across 15 innings, the Western Carolina product has struck out 20 batters and served up just two free passes. Matthews received a brief taste of the majors last summer but appears to have taken the next step in his development this season. Fantasy managers in standard formats should view Matthews as a strong stash candidate, as he could join Minnesota fairly soon with Pablo Lopez (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list.

Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Zebby Matthews is not expected to join the major league rotation this week. According to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic, the Twins are expected to continue to deploy a five-man rotation for the time being, even with Pablo Lopez (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression with Triple-A St. Paul, as he should be in the mix for an early return to the big leagues in the coming weeks. Last summer, Matthews received a brief taste of the majors as he logged 37 2/3 innings to the tune of a 6.79 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP. However, the Western Carolina product has begun taking the next steps forward at Triple-A this season, as he has held a 1.80 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, and a 1:13 BB:K across 10 innings. He remains a high upside stash in all standard formats.

Minneapolis Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale says not to be surprised if the Minnesota Twins use a temporary six-man starting rotation between off days, which could open up a spot for pitching prospect Zebby Matthews. David Festa will be promoted from the minors to start on Friday in place of right-hander Pablo Lopez (hamstring), who is headed to the injured list. The 24-year-old Matthews could also be promoted from Triple-A St. Paul after the right-hander has gone 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 13:1 K:BB in 10 innings over his first two starts in 2025 in the minors. Matthews, a former eighth-rounder in 2022 out of Western Carolina University, was inconsistent in his first nine big-league starts in 2024, going 1-4 with a 6.69 ERA and 1.65 WHIP with 43 strikeouts and 11 walks in 37 2/3 innings. In DFS and deep leagues, he could be a sneaky streaming option, depending on the matchup.