Outlook Zebby Matthews
Matthews looks to stabilize his rotation spot amid control struggles and Twins rotation injuries.
Matthews has experienced a bumpy stretch, posting a 6.32 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over his last 14 days, though he did log a quality start in his last outing. The third-place Twins, currently on a two-game losing streak, are leaning heavily on Matthews as a starter due to rotation injuries to Pablo Lopez and Bailey Ober. Recent analysis highlights unusual wildness for Matthews, who has issued seven walks over his last 17.1 innings despite carrying a historically strong walk rate in the minors.
Looking under the hood, Matthews' current 4.19 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over the last month are a significant step forward from his career 5.68 ERA in 2025. However, our season model expects some regression, projecting a 4.65 ERA and 1.32 WHIP over 120.0 innings. While he offers solid strikeout upside with 123 projected punchouts, his recent drop-off in strikeouts and increased walk rate suggest he remains a volatile asset.
Matthews is scheduled for a single start on June 11 on the road against the Detroit Tigers, matching up against Keider Montero. Our weekly projection expects a solid 7.1 innings with a 3.93 ERA and 5.2 strikeouts, making him a viable option in deeper formats. Given the single matchup, he is best utilized as a streaming option this week. Verdict: Stream.
Updated 11 hrs ago
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Outlook Rhett Lowder
Rhett Lowder returns from the injured list to make a risky weekend start against Arizona.
Reds rookie Rhett Lowder is nearing a return to the rotation after throwing a simulated game and completing rehab following an injury that sidelined him in May. Cincinnati, currently sitting in fifth place in the NL Central and riding a four-game losing streak, desperately needs rotation stability. He is expected to join the active staff this weekend, immediately slotting into the back half of the starting rotation.
Before his injury, the 24-year-old was struggling with a 5.12 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP over nine starts, showing significant regression from his stellar 2024 debut. Our models project a slightly improved rest-of-season path with a 4.44 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. However, until he curbs his high walk rates, he remains a volatile asset with a wide range of outcomes.
Lowder is projected to make just one start this week, scheduled for Saturday at home against the Diamondbacks. He will face Michael Soroka in a challenging matchup, and our projection expects a modest five-inning outing with elevated ratio risks. Given the threat of rust and a tough opponent, fantasy managers should leave him on the bench. Sit him.
Updated 11 hrs ago
