The Minnesota Twins suffered another blow to their pitching staff Friday night when right-hander Zebby Matthews exited his start against the Milwaukee Brewers with a recurring blister on his right foot.
The injury comes just hours after the Twins placed ace Joe Ryan on the 15-day injured list with a left glute strain, further testing a rotation already dealing with significant health concerns. The Athletic's Dan Hayes first reported Matthews' injury update on X during the game.
Minnesota improved to 58-59 with Friday's 8-6 victory but remains two games behind the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox.
Matthews had been recalled from Triple-A St. Paul earlier Friday to fill Ryan's spot in the rotation. He battled through the blister to complete five innings, allowing six runs, three earned, on seven hits while striking out four and earning the win.
The 26-year-old has made 15 starts for Minnesota this season, posting a 5-8 record with a 5.23 ERA and 73 strikeouts across 86 innings. Friday's outing marked his first appearance since being called back to replace Ryan in the rotation.
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Ryan's absence had already created a significant challenge for Minnesota. The right-hander landed on the injured list after pitching through diminished velocity following the All-Star break, with an MRI revealing a left glute strain.
The Twins remain firmly in the AL Central race despite the mounting injuries, sitting two games behind the White Sox and level with the Cleveland Guardians. How long Matthews' blister issue lingers could determine whether Minnesota needs to make another rotation adjustment as it continues its push toward postseason contention.
ALSO SEE:
- Poll: Unbreakable Baseball Records?
- MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets for Saturday, Aug. 8
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First-Inning Predictions for Saturday, Aug. 8
