Twins release Hendriks, option Matthews as Opening Day nears
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FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Twins took two significant steps toward clarifying their Opening Day roster on Friday.
Minnesota optioned right-hander Zebby Matthews to Triple-A St. Paul, clearing the way for Mick Abel to make the season-opening starting rotation. In addition, veteran right-hander Liam Hendriks was granted his release.
Abel, acquired from the Phillies last year in the deal that sent Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia, has been the Twins’ best starter in camp so far and forced his way into the starting five after beginning the spring as an underdog. Matthews will most likely start in Triple-A and be ready to step in whenever the Twins need a starter.
Minnesota had signed Hendriks with the hope he could regain his pre-injury form and serve as both a late-inning stalwart and a positive clubhouse influence. However, he never quite found his form, and following a difficult outing against the Red Sox on Thursday night, he was released.
Hendriks’ release probably clears room for Dan Altavilla or Zak Kent, or both, to make the club’s Opening Day bullpen.