The Minnesota Twins’ right-handed pitcher Zebby Matthews exited a game against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning due to a laceration on his right foot, according to team officials. The injury occurred during the fifth inning of the matchup at Target Field in Minneapolis, with the Twins confirming the incident through a brief statement released shortly after the game.
What Happened in the Game?
Matthews, 26, was pitching in his second start of the 2024 season when he sustained the injury in the fifth inning of the Twins’ 6-4 loss to the Yankees on June 12. The laceration, described as a “deep wound” by the team’s medical staff, required immediate attention and led to his removal from the game. The Twins did not specify the exact cause of the laceration, but a post-game press release noted that the injury was “not related to a pitch or play on the field.”
The Yankees’ starting pitcher, Jordan Montgomery, recorded the final out of the fifth inning before the game was delayed for approximately 15 minutes. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli confirmed in a press conference that Matthews’ injury was “unrelated to contact” but emphasized the team’s focus on his recovery. “We’re monitoring his condition closely,” Baldelli said. “Zebby is a key part of our rotation, and we’ll make sure he’s fully ready before returning.”
Injury Details and Medical Response
The Twins’ official injury report, released hours after the game, stated that Matthews underwent a procedure to clean and stitch the laceration. The team’s athletic trainer, Mike Radcliff, noted that the wound was “located on the plantar surface of the right foot” and required “surgical intervention to prevent infection.” No further details about the procedure were provided, but the report indicated that Matthews was “expected to remain on the 15-day injured list.”
MLB’s official injury database lists Matthews as having a “right foot laceration” with an estimated recovery timeline of “2-4 weeks.” However, the Twins have not yet provided a formal timeline for his return. A team spokesperson told *The Athletic* that “medical evaluations are ongoing, and we will update the public as soon as more information is available.”
Impact on the Twins’ Pitching Staff
Matthews’ injury comes at a critical juncture for the Twins, who entered the game with a 29-27 record and a 2.5-game lead in the American League Central. The right-hander had posted a 3.85 ERA in his first two starts of the season, including a 6.2-inning, 3-run performance against the Kansas City Royals on June 5. His absence leaves a void in the rotation, as the Twins currently have no clear replacement for his innings.
Manager Baldelli confirmed that the team is considering options to fill the gap, including recalling left-handed pitcher Jalen Miller from Triple-A Rochester or utilizing a bullpen rotation. “We have a deep bullpen, but we need a starter,” Baldelli said. “We’re looking at all possibilities, but nothing is finalized yet.”
The Twins’ pitching staff has struggled this season, ranking 12th in the AL with a 4.32 team ERA. Matthews’ injury could exacerbate the issue, particularly with upcoming matchups against division rivals the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians. The team’s next scheduled start for a right-handed pitcher is on June 17 against the White Sox, with José Berríos set to take the mound.
What It Means for the Playoffs
Matthews’ injury raises concerns about the Twins’ playoff prospects, as the team is currently in a tight race for the AL Wild Card. The Twins’ 29-27 record places them just 1.5 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics in the Wild Card standings. A prolonged absence from Matthews could force the Twins to rely on younger or less experienced pitchers, potentially affecting their ability to secure a postseason berth.
Historically, the Twins have struggled with injury-related setbacks in the playoffs. In 2023, star shortstop Carlos Correa missed the ALDS due to a hamstring injury, and the team was eliminated in five games by the Texas Rangers. Analysts suggest that Matthews’ injury could have a ripple effect on the team’s strategy. “The Twins need consistency in their rotation to make a playoff run,” said ESPN analyst Buster Olney. “Without Matthews, they’ll have to find other ways to compensate.”
How to Follow the Story
Updates on Matthews’ condition will be released through the Twins’ official website and social media channels. The team is expected to provide a more detailed injury report in the coming days. Fans can track the Twins’ schedule and roster changes via the MLB website and the Twins’ mobile app.
For real-time updates, follow the Twins’ official Twitter account (@Twins) and the MLB Network’s coverage of the team. Additional insights from sports analysts can be found on *The Athletic* and *Fox Sports* platforms.
What’s Next for Zebby Matthews?
Matthews is scheduled to undergo a follow-up examination on June 15 at the Twins’ training facility in Fort Myers, Florida. The team has not yet announced whether he will be placed on the 60-day injured list, which would allow the Twins to call up a replacement
