Matthews opened with two-out trouble, allowing multiple runs in the first and surrendering five runs in 4 2/3 innings as Minnesota’s starter was chased, fueling the Angels’ early lead.

Matthews brings electric stuff with real strikeout ability but needs control to translate in the big leagues. Two solid recent starts boost his fantasy ceiling, and a favorable matchup versus San Diego or Angels could push his value higher in the coming weeks.

Matthews has quietly delivered in six of his last seven starts, with a 3.00+ era and strong strikeout pace in a low-win team environment. He’s a viable rest-of-season innings option in deep formats and could carry late-season value as Minnesota evaluates rotations for 2026, with continued strikeout potential and improved efficiency.

Matthews added a sinker to his mix about a month into the season, combining it with a four-seam and cutter to create a new look for right-handed hitters. The sinker provides depth and movement that disrupts hitters, making Matthews tougher to square up when mixed with his other offerings.

Matthews spun six innings of one-run ball against Chicago, continuing to show consistency and depth as a potential core piece for Minnesota’s rotation. His early exit without a rough inning helped keep Minnesota within reach, but the bullpen couldn’t hold the lead in the ninth, sealing the loss. His performance stands out as a bright spot in an otherwise rough night for the Twins, highlighting a possible managerial preference heading into next season.