Zebby Matthews Eyes Consistency to Secure Twins Spot

Twins pitcher Zebby Matthews aims to build consistency and improve execution to earn a rotation spot this spring.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Zebby Matthews, a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, is competing for a spot in the team's starting rotation this spring training after an injury to Pablo López. Matthews, who split time between Triple-A and the majors last season, is focused on refining his pitch execution and achieving more consistency, which Twins manager Derek Shelton has identified as a key area of development for the young pitcher.

Why it matters

With López's injury potentially requiring season-ending surgery, Matthews' performance this spring could be pivotal in shaping the Twins' pitching staff for the upcoming season. The team has emphasized the importance of rotation depth, and Matthews' ability to combine his raw pitching talent with greater consistency will be vital in securing a spot.

The details

Matthews will make his first live appearance on Friday, pitching against the University of Minnesota. He has expressed clear goals for spring training, stating, "I'm going to do my best in spring to earn a rotation spot. If it works out, that's awesome. If not, then I'll be ready in Triple-A whenever they make the call and need me back up." Last season, Matthews split his time between Triple-A and the majors, appearing in 16 starts despite a shoulder strain that sidelined him during the summer. His priority during the offseason and early camp has been refining his pitch execution, particularly his offspeed offerings.

  • Matthews will make his first live appearance on Friday, February 19, 2026 at 5:05 p.m. Central.
  • The Twins have emphasized their rotation depth heading into the 2026 season.

The players

Zebby Matthews

A pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who is competing for a spot in the team's starting rotation this spring training.

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins, who has emphasized the importance of Matthews' ability to control the strike zone and achieve more consistency as a young pitcher.

Pablo López

A Twins pitcher who suffered an injury that may require season-ending Tommy John surgery, creating a vacancy in the team's rotation that Matthews is aiming to fill.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to do my best in spring to earn a rotation spot. If it works out, that's awesome. If not, then I'll be ready in Triple-A whenever they make the call and need me back up.”

— Zebby Matthews (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Able to manipulate the plate and off the plate in specific counts. We've seen over the time, he's got really good stuff and flashes that. I think for a young pitcher, just to be more consistent is probably the main theme.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager (theconwaybulletin.com)

“It was something that organically came up in a staff conversation about how we wanted our staff to relate to players and what we wanted them to feel because the game is based on so much negativity. Our game is based on failure. I want to make sure our coaches and our players focus back towards what the good thing about every day is.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The Twins will continue to evaluate Matthews' performance throughout spring training as they determine the composition of their starting rotation for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Matthews' ability to demonstrate consistency and refine his pitch execution this spring will be crucial in securing a spot in the Twins' starting rotation, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Pablo López's injury. The team's emphasis on a positive mindset and long-term development under manager Derek Shelton could provide a supportive environment for Matthews to thrive and solidify his role on the major league roster.