Zebby Matthews brings the heat in Saints' win over Clippers

Matthews topped 99 mph for the first time and pitched five shutout innings on Tuesday.

Minnesota Twins pitcher Zebby Matthews pitching during the first inning of their game against the Atlanta Braves at Lee Health Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Fla., on Feb. 22, 2025. | Chris Tilley-Imagn Images

In his first start of the season for the Triple-A St. Paul Saints, Zebby Matthews might've made the case he could be called up to the big leagues. Matthews guided the Saints to a 5-0 win over the Columbus Clippers Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio.

The right-handed pitcher not only pitched five shutout innings, but Matthews also hit 99.2 mph on his four-seamer during the second inning, the fastest pitch he's thrown in his career. Matthews, who averaged 94.7 mph on his fastball while with the Minnesota Twins last season, was topping out in the 97-mph range in the spring. But against the Clippers on Tuesday, Matthews saw multiple four-seamers hit 99 mph and several more top 98 mph as he tore through the Columbus lineup.

How about a 99 mph heater by Daniel Zebulon Matthews for the punchout. He's gone 4.0 innings allowing one hit and striking out four. 48 pitches, 31 for strikes. Lead 5-0 going to the 5th. pic.twitter.com/GTgF4voq7e

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) April 1, 2025

Matthews allowed just one hit, didn't issue a walk and fanned four across his five innings of work.

Matthews is starting the year in Triple-A, but he and David Festa are likely call-ups this season if the Twins need an additional pitcher for a doubleheader, in the case of injury or should they end up making a change to their rotation. Matthews made his major league debut towards the end of the 2024 season, and ultimately totaled nine starts, finishing with a 1-4 record. He pitched 37 2/3 total innings, allowing 51 hits and 31 runs, 28 earned, while fanning 43. He had a 6.69 earned-run average. Festa reached the Twins last year, too, and tossed five shutout innings in his first Saints start in 2025.

Night is over for Zebby Matthews. He goes 5.0 shutout innings allowing one hit and striking out four. Throws 57 pitches, 37 for strikes. Saints two starters this season, Matthews & @davidfesta13, go a combined 10.0 shutout innings allowing four hits and fanning 8.

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) April 2, 2025

The Twins selected Matthews, 24, with the No. 234 overall pick in the eighth round of the 2022 MLB draft.