Zebby Matthews to Make MLB Debut; What can the Twins Expect from the Rookie?

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The Twins needed a starter for Tuesday and ESPNs Jeff Passan is reporting that they will turn to top pitching prospect Zebby Matthews. Lets break down what Matthews is and what he can bring to the Twins in the stretch run. Dont get it wrong though, this guy is the real deal. Daniel Zebulon Matthewsis the latest in an increasingly long line of Twins development success stories. Drafted in the 8th round in 2021 and signed to a minuscule $125K bonus, the 24-year-old righty has skyrocketed up prospect lists and the Twins system this season. Matthews is something of a late bloomer. He didnt start pitching at Western Carolina until his age-20 season and didnt get significant innings until his third season in college. He began 2024 at High-A Cedar Rapids and has now received his fourth promotion as he makes his MLB is an interesting counter to the Twins other recent SP debut, David Festa. Both have big bodies with good extension and the Twins have improved the velocity with both pitchers Dylan Bundy Jersey. However, where Festa relies on whiffs and pure stuff, Matthews has elite, pin-point control. To put it simply, Matthews doesnt walk anyone. Period. His 1 Rod Carew Jersey. 9% walk rate is laughably elite and would lead MLB by a large margin. Noted control artist Georgy Kirby currently leads all MLB starters at 2. 8%, for context. The Twins have tweaked Zebbys pitch mix this season, ditching a sweeper he used to rely heavily upon in exchange for a high-velocity cutter he deploys against lefties and a tighter slider against righties that has a 46. 7% whiff rate. Hell mix in some curveballs and changeups that dont grade out particularly well, but keep hitters off balance. He has a legit arsenal with at least three pitches that should be able to get big league hitters out. Zebby Matthews gets the call!Matthews has taken MiLB by storm this season. Terry Steinbach Jersey.