With six days until Opening Day, the Minnesota Twins optioned Zebby Matthews to Triple-A St. Paul and released Liam Hendriks, Andrew Chafin, and Gio Urshela. Mick Abel secured a spot in the season-opening starting rotation after strong spring performance. The moves provide clarity to the roster amid ongoing bullpen questions.
In Fort Myers, Florida, the Twins made key roster decisions on Friday to shape their Opening Day lineup. Right-hander Zebby Matthews was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul, paving the way for Mick Abel to join the starting rotation alongside Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Taj Bradley, and Simeon Woods Richardson. Abel, acquired from the Phillies in a trade that sent Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia, impressed throughout spring training and earned his place despite starting as an underdog, according to manager Derek Shelton. Shelton noted, “Everything that we challenged him with coming into Spring Training he did. He checked those boxes. He deserves to be on the team.” He added that Matthews remains part of future plans and could see starts later in the season. The rotation has upside despite Pablo López's season-ending elbow injury early in camp. Meanwhile, veteran right-hander Liam Hendriks, lefty reliever Andrew Chafin, and infielder Gio Urshela exercised opt-out clauses after learning they would not make the roster. Infielder Orlando Arcia chose not to opt out and may head to Triple-A if not selected. General manager Jeremy Zoll commented on Hendriks, who signed hoping to regain pre-injury form but lacked consistency: “It was great to see him healthy. Obviously big presence in the clubhouse... Ultimately I think it was just kind of that lack of consistency.” The releases likely open spots for pitchers like Dan Altavilla, Zak Kent, Kody Funderburk, and others in a bullpen that Shelton described as still unsettled, with roles undecided.
