The Minnesota Twins’ starting rotation has hit a bump in the road with news that Pablo López is expected to be placed on the 15-day Injured List. In their 10-3 victory over the Athletics, López threw 72 pitches over five solid innings but had to bow out due to tightness in his right shoulder. He had just begun warmups for the sixth inning when the discomfort was too much, prompting an exit with the team’s athletic trainer. The diagnosis? A strained latimus muscle in the back of his right shoulder, adding to the woes of a pitcher who already missed time in April with a hamstring strain.
Even with the injury, López contributed to the Twins’ win, posting a 2.82 ERA this season with 61 strikeouts over 60 ⅔ innings. He allowed two earned runs, four hits, and three walks while striking out four. An MRI is next on the agenda to uncover the full extent of the damage.
With López sidelined, the remaining arms in the rotation are set to be Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Chris Paddack, and Zebby Matthews. Now, the question looms—who will fill López’s slot?
David Festa or Simeon Woods Richardson: Who Steps Up?
For the Twins, the silver lining lies in having depth down in Triple-A. Both David Festa and Simeon Woods Richardson have seen action with the big league club this season and could be called upon once more.
Festa, at 25, has stepped in when needed, appearing in three games during López’s previous absence. He put up respectable numbers, pitching 13 innings with a 2.83 ERA, showcasing his ability to contribute with 34 strikeouts and just four walks in 28 ⅔ innings for the Saints.
Woods Richardson, who began the year on the Twins’ 26-man roster, has had a roller-coaster season. Sporting a 5.02 ERA over 37 ⅔ innings in the majors, his demotion to Triple-A came with an opportunity for Zebby Matthews. Since then, Woods Richardson has put together 17 innings of work, managing 19 strikeouts despite some struggles with eight earned runs.
As the Twins mull over their options, Festa’s consistent performances may tip the scales in his favor when it comes to making the recall.
