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David Festa Headed Back to the Minnesota Twins
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- David Festa Headed Back to the Minnesota Twins
Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Pablo Lopez is headed to the injured list for the second time this season for the Minnesota Twins . When he missed time due to a hamstring injury it was David Festa who filled in for him. Now dealing with a lat strain, it will once again be David Festa who takes over his rotation spot.
On Tuesday night against the Athletics, Pablo Lopez threw three lackluster warmup pitches and knew he wasn't right. Nick Paparesta walked him to the clubhouse beyond the outfield wall. The injury was discussed postgame.
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Minnesota has not officially placed Lopez on the injured list, but that will come to fruition on Thursday. His Grade 2 teres major strain is the same malady that ended Joe Ryan 's season last year.
Minnesota Twins turn to David Festa
Wednesday night's St. Paul Saints starter was scheduled to be David Festa. He was scratched in favor of Randy Dobnak . Rather than waiting for Pablo Lopez's next turn, the Minnesota Twins will have Festa close out the series against the Athletics on Thursday. The Athletic's Dan Hayes broke the news Wednesday night.
"He woke up to banging on his door Wednesday morning, unaware of the 45 missed calls on his phone, and David Festa's first thought was he'd done something wrong. Instead, he discovered Minnesota Twins player development director Drew MacPhail was at the door to inform him he needed to wake up and pack for an impromptu flight to California's capital city."
Scheduled to pitch on Wednesday for St. Paul, it was a regular rest day for Festa. He has a set routine, and has taken two turns since dealing with arm fatigue .
"I figured my car was parked illegally or something. But it was Drew. … (He) was banging on my apartment door. I was a little confused. It was about 8 a.m., and he told me the news and that I had a flight at 11. I went back and checked my phone after I heard the knocking and saw a few people were trying to get in touch with me."
Last season Festa debuted with the Minnesota Twins as their top pitching prospect. He appeared in 14 games (13 starts) and posted a 4.90 ERA (3.76 FIP). After allowing 12 earned runs through his first two starts Festa was demoted. He returned later in June and finished with a 3.80 ERA (3.15 FIP) across his final 54 1/3 innings.
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Festa has already filled in once for Lopez this season. In three major league starts he owns a 1.38 ERA (2.38 FIP) across 13 innings. His experience last season should serve him well in the latest call-up, and he'll look to match production with Zebby Matthews in order to solidify Minnesota's starting depth
David Festa, Nasty 88mph Back Foot Slider. 😨 pic.twitter.com/fDXBDfWfc8
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 16, 2025
Despite dealing with some arm fatigue at Triple-A this year, Festa has a 2.83 ERA in six starts (28 2/3 innings). He is a strikeout pitcher that profiles as a mid-rotation arm. The Minnesota Twins having depth on the farm like this is something that puts them in a position to withstand injuries like that of Lopez's.
Related: Pablo Lopez Injury Update is Not Good News for MN Twins
This should be a longer stay in the big leagues for Festa, assuming he produces. Lopez missed three turns with his hamstring injury. The latest lat muscle issue will cost him at least 2-3 months .
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