David Festa Likely To Begin Season On Injured List

"Right-hander David Festa, who entered camp hopeful of securing a spot on the starting staff, has been diagnosed with a shoulder impingement and will be shut down from throwing for at least two to three weeks, per Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune. He's received an injection and is likely to open the season on the 15-day injured list."

"Since camp opened just two weeks ago, Minnesota has lost Pablo López for the entire season (internal brace surgery) and seen No. 2 starter slowed by inflammation in his lower back. Ryan has already resumed throwing, but what looked like a quietly crowded Twins' rotation mix has begun to thin out rather quickly."

"Festa had been competing with homegrown righty Zebby Matthews and 2025 trade acquisitions Taj Bradley (acquired for Griffin Jax) and (acquired for Jhoan Duran) for spots at the back of the group. All four were top-100 prospects in the game prior to their respective debuts."

The Minnesota Twins' starting rotation has been significantly impacted by injuries during spring training. Right-hander David Festa was diagnosed with shoulder impingement and will miss two to three weeks, likely opening the season on the injured list. This compounds earlier losses including Pablo López to season-ending surgery and inflammation issues affecting the No. 2 starter. With Ryan and Bailey Ober locked into rotation spots and Simeon Woods Richardson likely securing a third, the competition for remaining positions has narrowed to three prospects: Zebby Matthews, Taj Bradley, and another pitcher. Longshot options include prospects Connor Prielipp, Kendry Rojas, and Andrew Morris, though none have made their major league debuts.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors