MINNEAPOLIS — It is unclear when David Festa’s next opportunity to start a Major League game will be. But the second-year right-hander made a compelling case Friday night that the answer is “soon.”
Festa made a one-time start in place of the injured Pablo López, pitching 4 2/3 innings in a 7-6 loss to the Tigers. The only blemish on his box score was an unearned run, which is most likely why he did not last five innings. He may be headed back to Triple-A, but his performance will not be forgotten.
“I was pleased with what we got from him,” stated manager Rocco Baldelli. “I believe it was a positive outing for him. I believe he threw the ball well. I thought his stuff was good. I believe he had a good fastball. I believe he threw some very good changeups and sliders. Overall, it was a strong performance from him.
Baldelli explained earlier this week that even if López hadn’t been injured, the team was considering starting Festa to give the other starters an extra day of rest. The injury made the decision easier, and Festa made it look good.
“He did it last year,” explained catcher Christian Vázquez. “He’s got great stuff. He’s learning and enjoys competing. He’ll be a huge help to this team this year and in the future.”
Festa’s talent has never been in doubt, and the Twins see him as a long-term prospect. He struggled in his first two major league starts last year, but then dominated the rest of the season. He has since added a sinker (though he only threw it twice on Friday), and his approach and maturity continue to improve.
One particularly encouraging sign was Festa’s refusal to let the innings slip away from him. He has seen games spiral before, but not on Friday. Festa’s fastball averaged 95.2 mph, which was slightly higher than his Major League average in 2024, and he effectively mixed in his slider, changeup, and sinker. He had four strikeouts and one walk.
“I’d like to think I’m a little better [than last year],” Festa told reporters. “I have been doing a lot of mechanical work. The sinker, I believe, has helped me a lot in the few starts I’ve made this season. … I’d like to think I’m constantly improving, or at least that’s my goal. Hopefully, this is a stepping stone for today.
Festa will most likely make his next start in Triple-A. Zebby Matthews appears to be in line to start Monday in López’s place in the rotation. According to the schedule, Matthews is better positioned to make a second start during López’s absence than Festa, as long as he performs adequately in his first opportunity.
The greater intrigue is a little farther down the line. Chris Paddack has struggled in his first two starts, but he has a chance to turn things around Saturday. Simeon Woods Richardson has been solid but unspectacular in his two starts, and at the start of spring, he was officially considered a contender for his spot alongside Festa and Matthews.
There are numerous areas where the Twins could look to shake things up as they seek a spark after a 4-10 start. However, it is not unreasonable to believe that Festa and/or Matthews could pique the organization’s interest enough to warrant a look even in the absence of further pitching injuries.
If that’s the case, Festa issued his first statement on Friday.
