Zebby Matthews returns from the IL to start for the Twins vs. the Nationals on July 25, 2025. Can his arm & Royce Lewis's hot bat lead Minnesota to a key win?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Minnesota Twins kicked off a vital weekend series against the Washington Nationals on Friday night with a welcome sight on the mound: Zebby Matthews. Making his first start since a stint on the injured list, Matthews' return couldn't come at a better time as the Twins look to gain ground in the AL Central. Adding to the buzz, the red-hot Royce Lewis was slotted into the fifth spot in the batting order, a testament to his recent tear at the plate.
Royce Lewis, who has been on a hot streak at the plate, hit fifth in the lineup for the first time since July 8.
The biggest news of the day was the return of Zebby Matthews. His presence brings a much-needed boost to a rotation that has weathered its share of injuries. Facing Nationals lefty MacKenzie Gore, Matthews aimed to shake off any rust and provide a quality start to set the tone for the series. The Twins desperately need to take at least two of three from the 41-61 Nationals, and a strong outing from a healthy Matthews is the first step in that mission.
While Matthews' return anchored the pitching news, Royce Lewis's continued excellence is fueling the offense. His recent performance has been so impactful that manager Rocco Baldelli moved him up to fifth in the batting order, his highest placement in weeks. This move isn't just a reward; it's a strategic decision to get one of the team's hottest bats more opportunities in key situations. Fans are hoping Lewis can continue to be the offensive catalyst the team needs down the stretch.
The revolving door in the Twins' bullpen continues to spin. The team placed left-handed reliever Anthony Misiewicz on the 15-day IL with a left shoulder impingement after he posted a rough 10.38 ERA in limited action. In his place, Kody Funderburk gets another shot, recalled from Triple-A St. Paul. While Funderburk's MLB numbers (6.92 ERA) are concerning, his dominant 1.78 ERA in St. Paul offers a glimmer of hope. This move underscores the team's ongoing search for a reliable situational lefty, a role they've struggled to fill since designating Joey Wentz for assignment earlier this season.
In front office news, the Twins secured another piece of their future, signing sixth-round draft pick Bruin Agbayani to a slightly above-slot deal. With the July 28 signing deadline looming, only 16th-rounder Jonathan Stevens remains unsigned from the 2025 draft class, putting the Twins in a strong position to have nearly their entire class under contract.
All eyes will be on the box score tomorrow to see how Matthews fared in his return and if the offense could capitalize against a struggling Nats team. Winning this series is non-negotiable to keep pace in the AL Central race. The bullpen remains a question mark, but for now, the focus is simple: win the weekend.
