Minnesota Twins Release Hendriks, Demote Matthews; Abel Joins Opening Rotation

With six days remaining until Opening Day, the Minnesota Twins' roster is becoming clearer. Today, the team made a series of personnel moves, solidifying the Opening Day starting rotation and providing more clarity for the still-evolving bullpen. The team optioned right-handed pitcher Zebby Matthews to Triple-A St. Paul, paving the way for Mick Abel to join the Opening Day starting rotation. Meanwhile, veteran right-handed pitcher Liam Hendriks, left-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin, and infielder Gio Urshela were released.

“We looked at the entire spring training and felt there were other, more suitable options for the bullpen at this time,” said Manager Derek Shelton.

Hendriks, Chafin, and Urshela all had opt-out clauses in their contracts. Upon learning they would not be on the Opening Day roster, they exercised those clauses. Another free-agent infielder, Orlando Arcia, did not opt out; if he fails to make the roster, he could be assigned to Triple-A St. Paul.

While Hendriks was the most notable name today, the most impactful news undoubtedly came from the rotation.

Abel, who came to the Twins from the Phillies last year in the trade that sent Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia, was the most impressive starting pitcher in spring training. He emerged as a dark horse contender and fought his way into the Opening Day starting rotation. He will join Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Taj Bradley, and Simeon Woods Richardson to form the Opening Day starting rotation.

“He accomplished every challenge we set for him before spring training,” Shelton said. “He passed every test. He earned this spot, and that's not a negative on Zebby. I believe Zebby is a significant part of our future plans, and he will get a starting opportunity at some point this season. I think Mick earned the position through his performance—that's the simplest way to put it.”

The Twins lost Pablo López early in spring training due to an elbow injury that ended his season, but even without López, the rotation remains intriguing with considerable potential. Matthews has shown promise over two MLB seasons; he will likely start in Triple-A, ready to step up when the team needs him.

Even after parting with Hendriks and Chafin, the bullpen is far from settled. The composition of the eight relievers on the Opening Day roster is becoming clearer, likely a mix of five right-handers and three left-handers, but it is far from finalized.

“I wish there was a simpler, more definitive answer,” Shelton said, “but I think there are still some issues to resolve.”

The manager admitted he is even less certain about the roles for these pitchers. “I'm definitely thinking about it,” he said, “but have I figured it out? Not yet. Sometimes the answer would be 'I'm not telling you,' but right now I genuinely don't know.”

Minnesota signed Hendriks hoping he would regain his pre-injury form, become a pillar for the late innings, and provide a positive presence in the locker room. However, he never regained his form, and after a poor performance against the Red Sox yesterday, the team ultimately decided to release him.

“It was good to see him healthy,” said General Manager Jeremy Zoll. “He had a presence in the locker room, and we appreciated his professionalism. He did well in that regard. But ultimately, it was due to a lack of consistency… Whether it was the whiff rate on his fastball, overall sharpness, or command, it just didn't feel like he was at a level to be on the team.”

Hendriks' departure likely opens a spot for Dan Altavilla or Zak Kent, or both, to join the Opening Day bullpen. Kent's ability to generate whiffs has been particularly impressive. Currently, the Twins' bullpen right-handers are likely to include Cole Sands, Justin Topa, Eric Orze, Altavilla, and Kent.

With Chafin gone, the likelihood of Kody Funderburk joining the team increases. He would join Taylor Rogers and Anthony Banda as the three left-handers. Some of Funderburk's pitches give him an advantage against right-handed hitters compared to typical left-handed relievers, and he also has the ability to pitch multiple innings.