MINNEAPOLIS – August began with Zebby Matthews in the Minor Leagues. It ended with him looking like the Twins’ best starter.
Matthews kept up his scorching run of form with the longest and arguably best start of his young career on Sunday, smothering the White Sox over 8 1/3 innings as Minnesota secured a desperately needed 5-1 win in the finale of a three-game series. The Twins snapped a four-game losing streak, averted a sweep and delivered a boost to their dwindling playoff chances.
For Matthews, it was the continuation of a great month in which he’s made the most of a second chance. Following a strong start against the Mariners on July 31, he was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul to make roster room as the Twins acquired three pitchers at the Trade Deadline.
He didn’t actually make a start for the Saints, though, as Joe Ryan went on the injured list soon thereafter. Matthews had a couple of somewhat scruffy starts upon his return, but over his last three games, he’s been outstanding.
On Sunday, he took a perfect game bid into the sixth inning before Drew Romo broke it up with two outs. Sam Antonacci doubled to put the shutout in jeopardy as well, but Matthews got Munetaka Murakami to fly out to escape the threat.
He breezed through 2 2/3 more innings, pitching efficiently if not as dominantly as six days ago against the Athletics. Matthews has won five consecutive starts.
And he’s done it at a time when it’s badly needed. With Ryan still sidelined due to a strained left glute, the Twins’ starting depth has again been winnowed dangerously low. Kendry Rojas, who would be the team’s sixth starter, is also on the IL. So having Matthews not only pitch effectively but deep into games has been a godsend.