Minor League Report (6/9): Zebby Does Zebby Things

[Matt Braun]

Also, if I had a nickel for every former Twins 1st-round pick that played against a team in the system today, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice. 

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge

TRANSACTIONS

There were no moves made on Sunday.

Saints Sentinel
St. Paul 4, Syracuse 7
Box Score
Scott Blewett: 3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
HR: Yunior Severino (10), Michael Helman (10)
Multi-hit games: Michael Helman (3-for-4, HR, 2B, R, 3 RBI, Yunior Severino (3-for-5, HR, R, RBI), Will Holland (2-for-3, 2B)

The Saints banged out 12 hits but could not make them count on Sunday.

It took until the fourth pitcher of the game before Toby Gardenhire found a hurler capable of keeping runs off the board. Starter Scott Blewett couldn’t do it, Jordan Balazovic wasn’t the right man either, and Josh Winder allowed a flurry of hits during his time on the mound. By the time Jeff Brigham and Kody Funderburk blanked the Mets, seven runs were on the board, and the damage was too serious for St. Paul’s bats to overcome.

But they tried. They sure tried. Former Twins first-rounder Tyler Jay started for Syracuse and allowed a homer to deep center by Yunior Severino. 

Michael Helman followed with a shot off Jon Duplantier.

But, the runs nearly ceased there. Helman came back to drive in a run with a later double; every other inning was a series of frustration and emptiness, with runners reaching base and subsequently jogging back to the dugout before they could touch home. The Saints loaded the bases in back-to-back innings and failed to score a single run. 

Once again, St. Paul threatened with some action in the 9th, but—in a continuation with Sunday’s theme—Patrick Winkel could not keep the threat alive, and he whiffed on three pitches to strand a pair of runners. 

When asked about Matt Wallner and Edouard Julien, Toby Gardenhire stated that "[b]oth those guys are kind of searching right now, they're trying to figure it out. It's tough. You know, you go up to the Big Leagues [where] they've had success. And then they come down and right now it's just they're trying to work through some stuff. They're both really good players, and they're both really good hitters the big thing is just for them to keep getting in the work because eventually we know both those guys will be back." 

(Quote via our on-hand journalist, Theo Tollefson.)

Luisangel Acuña—the brother of some famous baseball player; the name will come to me eventually—is the 5th-ranked prospect in the Mets system. He walked and struck out twice in five plate appearances. 

WIND SURGE WISDOM
Wichita 2, NW Arkansas 3
Box Score
Zebby Matthews: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
HR: Jeferson Morales (3)
Multi-hit games: Jeferson Morales (2-for-3, HR, R, 2 RBI, BB)

The Wind Surge were walked off in tragic fashion.

Daniel Zebulon Matthews yet again graced the mound with his presence on Sunday. The righty from North Carolina is essentially royalty at this point; his 2024 ERA is 1.38, he’s walked just two batters all season, and his WHIP is 0.69. By themselves, these would be impressive stats. When combined, they are simply Zebby.

And he did what he does. Twins Daily's May MiLB Starting Pitcher of the Month diced up the Naturals, breezing through seven frames of shutout ball with just 87 pitches. No runner sniffed second base. He whiffed eight. At this point, his utter dominance and cartoonish numbers are as assumed and consistent as the moving of the seasons.

Unfortunately, regality wasn’t in the cards for the Wind Surge lineup (save for Jeferson Morales). Wichita put together so little that it could have easily been interpreted as nothing: their lone runs came when Morales delivered a two-run homer over the left field wall.

A lead, for a time. But Wichita’s bullpen had to get involved. Taylor Floyd quickly surrendered the advantage, and John Stankiewicz—one of the few men Ramon Borrego could trust in a time like this—handed over the walk-off the following frame.

Second baseman Peyton Wilson serves as the Royals’ 22nd-ranked prospect. He walked once in four trips to the plate. 

KERNELS NUGGETS
Cedar Rapids 9, Great Lakes 6
Box Score
Jordan Carr: 5 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
HR: Agustin Ruiz (3), Nate Baez (4)
Multi-hit games: Agustin Ruiz (2-for-5, HR, 2 R, RBI), Rayne Doncon (4-for-5, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI), Jose Salas (3-for-5, R, RBI), Nate Baez (3-for-4, HR, 2B, R, 4 RBI)

The Kernels built a major comeback on Sunday. 

Agustin Ruiz hit a 1st inning homer. Then, the trouble began. 

The Loons—evidently annoyed at their immediate deficit—responded with a three-spot in the bottom half of the frame, putting starter Jordan Carr on the ropes quickly. To his credit, he responded about as well as a hurler could: he allowed just one more run before calling it a day after the 5th. The lefty whiffed five and walked one. 

Cedar Rapids scored as well, keeping the game within striking distance before the bats fell dormant for the entirety of the second act. 

Hope was hard to find at the start of the 8th; the Loons carried a 6-3 advantage, and outs became precious. There was no breathing room. Any rally needed to be efficient and decadent. That’s when the **** hit the fan: the Kernels loaded the bases, and Rayne Doncon partly cleared them with a two-run single, setting the stage for precisely the kind of late-game heroics needed in a moment like this. Jose Salas singled in the tying run and swiped second. Nate Baez—with two strikes and two outs against him—cracked the heartbreaker, a go-ahead double that plated an insurance run for good measure. Doncon added on with an RBI knock in the 9th. Mike Parades held on to carry the game to a victorious ending. 

Thayron Liranzo, the Loons 1st baseman, is the 6th-ranked player in the Dodgers system, and he singled twice in four at-bats. Also, the Great Lakes’ leadoff man may have looked familiar: Noah Miller—once a 1st round pick for the Twins—singled and walked over five plate appearances. 

MUSSEL MATTERS
Fort Myers 4, Tampa 8
Box Score
Spencer Bengard: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
HR: Brandon Winokur (5)
Multi-hit games: Brandon Winokur (3-for-4, HR, R, RBI, BB)

Fort Myers lost handily on Sunday.

Brandon Winokur was the star of the show offensively. The lanky 19-year-old out of Huntington Beach reached base four times, cracking a pair of singles, walking once, and blasting an opposite-field homer to give him a potent all-around performance. It was the third time in his professional career totaling six bases in a game.

The good news ended somewhere around there, though, as only one Mighty Mussels pitcher knew how to keep runs off the board. Spencer Bengard—so brilliant in May—labored through three inefficient innings before giving way to an ineffective combined bullpen effort. Everyone outside of Danny Moreno probably wished they didn’t pitch that day. It was just one of those games. 

And the bats outside of Winokur likely felt spurned and disappointed as well; Fort Myers struck out 15 times and totaled just five hits, not a great ratio. The offense beyond the Payton Eeles, Walker Jenkins, and Winokur top three accounted for 13 of those Ks and just one hit. 

Jenkins is slashing a lopsided .222/.391/.278 in five games since rejoining the Mighty Mussels.

Tampa DH Roderick Arias is the Yankees' 4th-ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. He doubled and walked twice on Sunday. 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Zebby Matthews
Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Brandon Winokur

PROSPECT SUMMARY
Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed:
#1 - Walker Jenkins (Fort Myers) - 1-4, RBI, BB
#9 - Luke Keaschall (Wichita) - 1-3, R, BB, K
#10 - Brandon Winokur (Fort Myers) - 3-for-4, HR, R, RBI, BB 
#12 - Kala’i Rosario (Wichita) - 1-3, BB
#13 - Tanner Schobel (Wichita) - 0-3, BB, 2 K
#14 - Zebby Matthews (Wichita) - 7 IP, 3 H, 0 BB, 0 ER, 8 K
#18 - Yunior Severino (St. Paul) - 3-for-5, HR, R, RBI, K
#20 - Ricardo Olivar (Cedar Rapids) - 1-3, 2 R, 2 BB

MONDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
DSL Phillies Red @ DSL Twins (10:00 AM) - TBD
FCL Braves @ FCL Twins (11:00 AM) - TBD

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[darwin22]

Very good article Matt despite a rough day with our affiliates.

Most impressed with the pitching line by Zebby Matthews----very impressive outing!

With a road trip (from KC area) planned to Springfield in early July to see a couple of games, I'm hoping to see Matthews get a start.  Will hopefully see Rodriguez back in action by then.

[Dman]

I shouldn't get ahead of myself, but I can't remember a pitcher dominating like Matthews at that level since Ober.  What a line Just three hits over 7 innings. No walks and 8 K's.  That is absolute domination. No way around it and that lineup was putting up numbers until Morris and Matthews.  If Lewis can come back and be who he was (Twins MiLB pitcher of the year last year) Things will be looking up in the starting pitcher department.  Festa is at AAA as well.  We could have that elusive starting pitching depth next year if these guys continue to pitch like this.

Winoker is finally getting to his power more.  I am sure they have him working on plate discipline and contact rate to start as those are his weaknesses, but nice to see some power returning. A 3 for 4 day with a walk to boot and no K's.  If he keeps this up he is looking like a steal in the 3rd round.

Doncon with a much needed 4 for 5 day and a double.  He seems to get to the ball well for a 20 year old.  Its been a tough start, but hopefully he has his mojo back.

Helman with another HR and big day at the plate trying to push that OPS to .900 on the year. Shout out to @DocBauer who even when he was down to start the year was a Helman believer.  It looks like he is back to the player that keeps getting mentioned for a call up  Probably way to many guys in front right now, but if he keeps this up he will have a chance with the Twins or somewhere else next year if he chooses to move on.

[Major League Ready]

7 hours ago, Dman said:

I shouldn't get ahead of myself, but I can't remember a pitcher dominating like Matthews at that level since Ober.  What a line Just three hits over 7 innings. No walks and 8 K's.  That is absolute domination. No way around it and that lineup was putting up numbers until Morris and Matthews.  If Lewis can come back and be who he was (Twins MiLB pitcher of the year last year) Things will be looking up in the starting pitcher department.  Festa is at AAA as well.  We could have that elusive starting pitching depth next year if these guys continue to pitch like this.

The other guy I am wondering if we should be considering as part of that depth is Morris.  Then, there is Prielipp.  Maybe he can be our Gil.  By that I mean guy that finally gets healthy and lives up to his potential.

[Doctor Wu]

56 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

The other guy I am wondering if we should be considering as part of that depth is Morris.  Then, there is Prielipp.  Maybe he can be our Gil.  By that I mean guy that finally gets healthy and lives up to his potential.

A healthy and productive Prielipp would be a very, very good thing! Speaking of him, when is he slated to start pitching again?

[mark allen]

Zebby Matthews looked awesome. Not sure he could do anymore than what he is accomplishing.

The future looks bright why wait, we need better pitching now. Move him up don't think about trading him.

[4twinsJA]

Good to see Severino heating up, had terrible start to year. Matthews to AAA this year? Probably won't be until later in year, but if keeps his performance up will be hard to keep at AA.

[Dman]

2 hours ago, Major League Ready said:

The other guy I am wondering if we should be considering as part of that depth is Morris.  Then, there is Prielipp.  Maybe he can be our Gil.  By that I mean guy that finally gets healthy and lives up to his potential.

Morris's numbers aren't that far off from Zebby's so I agree he looks like a future rotation piece as well.  Morris seems to give up a bit more contact but his WHIP is still real good and the K rate while lower than Matthews is OK as well.  He's been pretty lights at AA as well just not as many innings there yet.

I don't know if I am as optimistic as you on Prielipp.  Almost back to back TJ's doesn't bode well for durability.  It would be awesome if he could become a star lefty starter though.  I'm just keeping him out of of any future hope until he can put up some innings and stay healthy.

[mikelink45]

Is it time for Zebby to move to St Paul?  He has proven his ability at every level and looks like he might be pushing Festa for the top of the list of potential call ups.  Which causes me to ask - what is happening with Varland?  I worry that Julien, Wallner, Varland are not getting the help they need in the minors.  They need some good production again. 

[Major League Ready]

3 minutes ago, Dman said:

Morris's numbers aren't that far off from Zebby's so I agree he looks like a future rotation piece as well.  Morris seems to give up a bit more contact but his WHIP is still real good and the K rate while lower than Matthews is OK as well.  He's been pretty lights at AA as well just not as many innings there yet.

I don't know if I am as optimistic as you on Prielipp.  Almost back to back TJ's doesn't bode well for durability.  It would be awesome if he could become a star lefty starter though.  I'm just keeping him out of of any future hope until he can put up some innings and stay healthy.

I am not all that optimistic on Prielipp.  I liked that pick at the time and it's been such a disappointment, so I continue to hope he gets healthy at some point. It would just be such a great boost if he finally stayed healthy. 

[DJL44]

44 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

Is it time for Zebby to move to St Paul?  

It's been 5 starts. I assume he will be a candidate for the Futures Game. They can promote him after that.

[Doctor Gast]

Love the name, Zebulon, love the pitcher. He's showing great stuff & control. 

I was very optimistic with Julien the other day but the 3 Ks from him & Wallner yesterday makes me wonder.

[TwinsDr2021]

11 hours ago, Dman said:

I shouldn't get ahead of myself, but I can't remember a pitcher dominating like Matthews at that level since Ober.

Josh WInder (1.98 ERA 65 K's in 54.66 innings) and Matt Canterino (1.83 ERA 50 K's in 34.33 innings) were pretty darn good.

Pierson Ohl wasn't too bad 2.69 ERA, less K's 74 in 87 innings, Laweryson was pretty good 1.06 ERA 69 K's in 59.33 innings, Sands was good 2.46 and 96 K's in 80.33.

Been a bit longer, but Stephen Gonsalves put up video game numbers in AA, 19-4, 2.59 ERA and 213 K's in 184 innings. He was 8 - 1 with a 1.82 ERA and 89 K's in 74.33 in 2016,

 

[LambchoP]

I think they're just looking for consistency at Wichita before they consider a late season promotion to AAA for Zebby. Between him and Festa we might have some decent starting pitching depth next year. This might mean they won't go out and spend on a solid starter though:(.  Anyone know what's up with Canterino? Been out all year, even though they said it was something minor with his shoulder. I thought him and Varland could really help out our bullpen in the second half this year...

[Linus]

26 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Josh WInder (1.98 ERA 65 K's in 54.66 innings) and Matt Canterino (1.83 ERA 50 K's in 34.33 innings) were pretty darn good.

Pierson Ohl wasn't too bad 2.69 ERA, less K's 74 in 87 innings, Laweryson was pretty good 1.06 ERA 69 K's in 59.33 innings, Sands was good 2.46 and 96 K's in 80.33.

Been a bit longer, but Stephen Gonsalves put up video game numbers in AA, 19-4, 2.59 ERA and 213 K's in 184 innings. He was 8 - 1 with a 1.82 ERA and 89 K's in 74.33 in 2016,

 

And those are all good reasons to temper expectations. 

[4twinsJA]

Agree with Linus, good results at lower levels don't guarantee results at MLB level. But, better than pitcher struggling at A, AA. There is  some hope. Shows how hard it is to make it to MLB level and be successful.

[Road trip]

4 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Is it time for Zebby to move to St Paul?  He has proven his ability at every level and looks like he might be pushing Festa for the top of the list of potential call ups.  Which causes me to ask - what is happening with Varland?  I worry that Julien, Wallner, Varland are not getting the help they need in the minors.  They need some good production again. 

He's not a kid anymore at 24 years old.  If you subscribe to the theory that there are only so many pitches in a human arm before it almost inevitably breaks down (and I think I do), then wasting further time dominating AA doesn't make much sense.  Might just catch lightning if Twins move him up now.  If he has a good June-July-August in AAA he's certainly old enough to be with the big boys.  If he struggles a bit in AAA he can learn from the experience, and at least we won't go into 2025 wondering if he will be ready.

[Trov]

I know pitching prospect rankings are generally on possible upside and not on current output, but Matthews needs to be climbing the rankings real quickly with what he has been doing.  

[Dman]

2 hours ago, Trov said:

I know pitching prospect rankings are generally on possible upside and not on current output, but Matthews needs to be climbing the rankings real quickly with what he has been doing.  

I think he will be.  He already caught Baseball America's attention and is in their top 100.  He is going to be top 10 in the Twins system.  Probably just behind Festa or maybe in front since his control is so good.

[Mike Sixel]

He's 24, promote him....