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Minnesota Twins Reveal Bad News on Injured Starters
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- Minnesota Twins Reveal Bad News on Injured Starters
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Minnesota Twins will try again to get back above .500 on Sunday afternoon, on getaway day at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs , as they go for a 9th series victory in their last 10 attempts .
Unfortunately, before today's game began, the Twins revealed bad news injury updates on starters Mick Abel and David Festa , updates that will not help the dearth of big league pitching depth currently available to manager Derek Shelton.
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Minnesota Twins expecting injured starters to miss rest of season
According to Dan Hayes (The Athletic) , the Minnesota Twins are no longer holding out hope that either aforementioned right-handed starter will be able to return to the mound this season.
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Nothing is official. But based on the potential timelines, sounds as if David Festa and Mick Abel are doubtful to pitch again this season. #MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 19, 2026
Related: Yankees Coming for MN Twins Star Catcher at Trade Deadline
After pitching a combined 117.2 big league innings between the 2024-25 seasons, David Festa has not been on the active roster in 2026, after he suffered a right shoulder and tricep injury during spring training.
The Twins were hoping to rely more on the 26-year-old former 13th round draft pick this year, even if that meant moving to a bullpen role, after Festa posted a 5.40 ERA, 4.88 FIP and 1.275 WHIP in 53.1 innings last season.
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Without Mick Abel, the Twins need a starter at the deadline
Meanwhile, prior to suffering his right elbow injury back in April, Mick Abel appeared to be on his way. He struggled a bit out of the gates to open the season. But in his final two starts, Abel allowed 0 runs on 8 hits and struck out 16 batters in his final two starts (13 IP).
MICK ABEL CAREER HIGH 10 STRIKEOUTS pic.twitter.com/qR9nDSPQdu
— Twins.TV (@twinstv) April 15, 2026
Related: Newly Drafted MN Twins Pitchers Ready to Work
The 24-year-old former 1st round draft pick tried to make a comeback twice. The first didn't make it beyond a couple of bullpen sessions. His last attempt ended after a couple of Triple-A starts.
On June 1, Abel underwent surgery. At the time, it was unknown whether or not a return this season was plausible. Now, we have that answer, and it's not the answer Minnesota was looking for.
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That means, if the Minnesota Twins want to hang on for an AL playoff spot over the next couple months, it would really behoove them to go out and land, not just bullpen help at the MLB trade deadline, but a top-three starter too.
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