Twins Call Up Zebby Matthews Ahead of Game Against Brewers

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Minnesota Twins have recalled right-hander Zebby Matthews from Triple-A St. Paul to join their starting rotation for Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers. This announcement comes as the team hopes to extend its impressive 13-game winning streak.

The 24-year-old Matthews made nine starts for the Twins last season, finishing with a 1-4 record and a 6.69 ERA. However, he has shown significant improvement in the minors this season, posting a 2-1 record and a 1.93 ERA in seven starts, including 38 strikeouts over 32⅔ innings.

Sunday’s game marks a critical point for the Twins, who are riding a streak of three consecutive shutouts. They have not allowed a run in 33 straight innings, a franchise record that dates back to 1961. Manager Rocco Baldelli emphasized the team’s focus, saying, “I prefer to let them keep playing the way they’re playing and pitching the way they’re pitching.”

In a related move, the Twins placed reliever Danny Coulombe on the 15-day injured list due to a left forearm extensor strain. Coulombe has been effective this season, not allowing a run in 16⅔ innings. Baldelli noted a cautious optimism about Coulombe’s recovery, saying, “He’s shown good improvement, but he’s not ready to pitch quite yet.”

To make space for Matthews on the roster, the Twins also announced that they would promote outfielder Carson McCusker, who has yet to make his major league debut. McCusker, standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 250 pounds, has been impressive at St. Paul, hitting .350 with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs in 38 games this season.

The Brewers will counter with ace Freddy Peralta, who has a 4-3 record and a 2.66 ERA. The Twins aim to continue their winning streak after defeating Milwaukee 7-0 on Saturday, which featured home runs by Ryan Jeffers and Kody Clemens, along with strong pitching from Pablo Lopez.

Milwaukee has struggled offensively, managing just three singles in Saturday’s loss, and first baseman Rhys Hoskins expressed frustration, stating, “We know the type of talent we have… All we can do is try to salvage the series tomorrow.”