Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Twins Make Move After A.J. Minter Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 1, 2026 5:04 PM ET

The Minnesota Twins finalized a series of roster moves Saturday after acquiring left-handed reliever A.J. Minter, officially activating the veteran while optioning rookie right-hander Zebby Matthews to Triple-A St. Paul. The club also designated Cody Laweryson for assignment and transferred Mike Paredes to the 60-day injured list to complete the roster shuffle.

The moves came one day after Minnesota strengthened both its bullpen and rotation before the trade deadline, signaling the club's intention to remain in the American League postseason race.

Matthews' demotion surprised many after the rookie struck out a career-high 10 batters over five innings against the Seattle Mariners on Friday. Rather than reflecting his performance, the decision came after the Twins added both Minter and veteran starter Dean Kremer, creating a roster crunch.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/afLSLPPiSa
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 1, 2026

Minter arrives after being acquired from the New York Mets in exchange for prospects Billy Amick and Bruin Agbayani. The veteran left-hander has posted a 2.35 ERA with 20 strikeouts and only two walks across 23 innings this season while filling a late-inning relief role.

His addition also addresses a need created by Anthony Banda's season-ending lat injury. Minter brings postseason experience to Minnesota's bullpen after winning a World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021.

New York Mets relief pitcher A.J. Minter (33) Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Matthews, meanwhile, is expected to continue starting at Triple-A rather than shift into a relief role. The 26-year-old has made 14 major league starts this season and recorded quality starts in eight of them, giving the Twins valuable rotation depth if another opportunity arises.

Minnesota entered Saturday with a 56-55 record, tied with the Cleveland Guardians for the final American League Wild Card spot and three games behind the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central. With Minter and Kremer now in the organization, the Twins have made it clear they intend to strengthen their pitching staff for the stretch run rather than stand pat at the deadline.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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