Zebby Matthews Leaves Spring Game with Apparent Injury

[Seth Stohs]

The Twins traveled to Tampa to play the Yankees on Wednesday afternoon. Joe Ryan tossed two scoreless innings. Zebby Matthews came in for the third inning. He gave up a couple of hits but got an inning-ending double play to end any threat. He came back out for the bottom of the fourth inning. On his second pitch to Paul Goldschmidt, the former MVP grounded a slow roller down the third base line. Matthews raced to it, fielded it and then threw to first for the out. A very nice play. 

However, before making another throw, Ryan Jeffers slowly walked to the mound, and a trainer soon followed. Matthews moved and stretched a little as if he may have pulled a muscle near his hip or side. He didn't appear to be in pain, maybe more discomfort. Rocco Baldelli quickly removed him from the game. John Stankiewicz came in and got the final two outs of the innings. 

Matthews, who has been very impressive all spring, throwing hard, with a good changeup and a slider. Replay showed that his right foot slid a little bit when planting. Before going to the mound, Matthews bent at the waist, stretching his back and/or side. He walked off looking fairly comfortable, but at this stage, taking him out was the right decision. Hopefully it is nothing. 

However, a day after Justin Topa walked off the mound mid-inning, and with the news of Matt Canterino being shut down again, keeping all of the pitching depth as healthy as possible will be important. 

And speaking of important, Matthews will play a very important role with the Twins in 2025 and beyond. 

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[Cory Engelhardt]

Hopefully at most it's a minor thing. Thanks for passing this along

[LambchoP]

We all knew there would be some spring injuries. As long as most of them are minor we should be ok 

[Patzky]

Suddenly having eight possible starters seems like a good idea..

[Squirrel]

49 minutes ago, Patzky said:

Suddenly having eight possible starters seems like a good idea..

It’s always good, not just suddenly. What’s the saying … you can never have too much pitching … this is why

[bean5302]

I'd like to hope this is a minor injury. Matthews wasn't likely to make the 26 man out of camp, but he's still likely got a solid future ahead, including some 2025 appearances on the mound!

Roto sites seem to be reporting it as ankle related.

[nicksaviking]

18 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

I'd like to hope this is a minor injury. Matthews wasn't likely to make the 26 man out of camp, but he's still likely got a solid future ahead, including some 2025 appearances on the mound!

Roto sites seem to be reporting it as ankle related.

Oof, not good.

I forget, which ankle does he throw with?

[Whitey333]

Catering proving to be a wasted space on the 40 man roster.

[Otaknam]

At least the injuries that  are piling up don’t yet include Correa, Lewis or the walking mash unit Buxton. But it’s early! 

[madtowntwin]

The game was broadcast on ESPN...Looked like he tweaked his leg in minor fashion and his exit was precautionary. His stride as he left the field was smooth. The story of the game was Joe Ryan's return against a fairly loaded Yankee lineup. Ryan looked strong with a good mix of pitches and touching 96 mph. The other story was 4 HR hit by the patchwork Minnesota lineup. Win Twins!!