The Minnesota Twins’ starting pitching depth has significantly diminished with the recent setback of pitcher David Festa. Initially entering spring training with eight major-league ready starters vying for five rotation spots, the team now faces uncertainty as injuries have taken their toll.
In early camp, Pablo López suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. The procedure took place on Wednesday in Texas under the supervision of Dr. Keith Meister. Subsequently, Joe Ryan reported lower back inflammation, though he is still expected to be ready for the regular season opener on March 26, 2024, in Baltimore. His participation in the upcoming World Baseball Classic remains uncertain.
On Thursday, head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta announced that Festa is dealing with a shoulder impingement and has received an injection for relief. As a result, it is now unlikely that he will be available for Opening Day. Festa previously struggled with a shoulder issue throughout the last season, making only one start in the second half due to mild thoracic outlet syndrome. Paparesta clarified that the current shoulder injury is unrelated to the previous issue.
With Festa’s injury, the Twins now have six potential starters: Ryan, Bailey Ober, Taj Bradley, Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, and Mick Abel. It is anticipated that one of the latter two pitchers will secure a spot on the major league roster, while the other will likely be assigned to Triple-A.
Despite the challenges, there is some positive news regarding López’s recovery. Paparesta informed reporters that López underwent a repair of his ulnar collateral ligament rather than a complete reconstruction, which typically requires a longer recovery period. Although López will miss the entire 2024 season, the hope is he will be fit for a full return by the 2027 season.
Roster Adjustments as Training Camp Progresses
As the season draws closer, the Twins have begun to streamline their roster, cutting down the number of players in camp. On Thursday, right-handed pitchers Matt Canterino and Cory Lewis were reassigned to minor league camp. These moves were anticipated given both players are recovering from injuries.
Lewis, who played as a starter in Triple-A last season, has been diagnosed with a moderate subscapularis strain. Canterino, still in recovery from shoulder surgery performed in March 2023, has not pitched in a minor league game since 2022.
Canterino reflected on his lengthy rehabilitation journey, stating, “There are not many people that have not thrown a regular-season inning in three-and-a-half years and still have a job in professional baseball. I think that’s a testament to how I carry myself, and it’s a testament to what I was able to do before my surgeries, as well.”
Prior to his injury struggles, Canterino was regarded as one of the Twins’ most promising pitching prospects, boasting a remarkable 1.48 earned-run average and 130 strikeouts across 85 innings in his minor league career. Originally a starter, he transitioned to relief due to his injury history. Despite the setbacks, he remains determined to reach the major leagues.
“I want to be able to look my future kids, future family in the eye and tell them, ‘Hey, I chased my dream.’ That’s what I’m doing right now,” he added, underscoring his commitment to his career in baseball.
As the Twins navigate these injury challenges, the focus will be on their remaining pitchers and the adjustments necessary for a competitive start to the season.
