Simeon Woods Richardson called up to start for banged up Twins

The Twins' starting staff is hurting after injuries to Pablo Lopez and Zebby Matthews.
May 1, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson (24) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
May 1, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson (24) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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The Minnesota Twins have called up right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson to fill the latest hole in the starting rotation following the injury to Zebby Matthews, who was placed on the injured list this week with a strained shoulder.

Woods Richardson will get the start when the Twins open a three-game home series against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night. The Rangers will counter with former Twins righty Tyler Mahle, who owns a 2.02 ERA in 13 starts this season.

Matthews' injury comes after staff ace Pablo Lopez went on the injured list with a strained lat. Matthews reportedly has a Grade 2 strain, which will keep him out for an undetermined amount of time. Lopez's strain is expected to keep him sidelined for 8-12 weeks.

Woods Richardson has a 5.02 ERA in eight starts this season, with serving up homers being a significant problem for him. He allowed eight homers in 37 2/3 innings — and he failed to pitch six full innings in any of his eight starts.

Woods Richardson made three starts at Triple-A St. Paul and posted a 4.24 ERA in 17 innings.

The Twins optioned right-hander Travis Adams to St. Paul to make room on the roster for Woods Richardson.

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Joe Nelson
JOE NELSON

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.