Twins starting pitcher Pablo López is expected to land on the 15-day Injured List
López threw just 72 pitches in five innings in the Twins’ 10-3 victory against the Athletics on Tuesday at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, Calif., exiting with athletic trainer Nick Paparesta after throwing three warmup pitches before the sixth inning due to experiencing tightness in his right shoulder, according to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes. Minnesota is expected to place López, who missed two starts in April due to a right hamstring strain, on the 15-day IL with a strained latimus muscle in the back of his right shoulder.
López, who has a 2.82 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 60 ⅔ innings this season, still earned the win Tuesday despite his injury, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four. He will receive an MRI on Wednesday to determine the severity of his injury.
Now, the Twins’ starting rotation is cut down to Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Chris Paddack and Zebby Matthews. Who will take López’s spot on the roster?
Pablo López's injury all but assures David Festa or Simeon Woods Richardson will be recalled by the Twins
On the bright side for Minnesota, it has two starting pitchers in Triple-A St. Paul who have had major league success and pitched for the Twins this year.
Festa, 25, made three starts at the major league level this season when López missed time with his right hamstring strain in April, allowing two earned runs on 12 hits and five walks with 15 strikeouts in 13 innings. Over six starts for the Saints this year, Festa has a 2.83 ERA with 34 strikeouts and four walks in 28 ⅔ innings.
Woods Richardson started the season on the Twins’ 26-man roster, pitching to a 5.02 ERA with a 1.54 WHIP and 35 strikeouts across 37 ⅔ innings before suffering a demotion to Triple-A St. Paul on May 15, clearing the way for Matthews to be added to the MLB roster. Since his demotion, Woods Richardson has given up eight earned runs on 15 hits and four walks with 19 strikeouts in 17 innings over three starts.
In conclusion, Festa is the more likely option to be recalled by the Twins, given his consistent success this year at the major and minor league levels.
Twins aim to win series against Athletics
After winning the first two games of the series, the Twins have their sights set on winning the series against the Athletics on Wednesday. Zebby Matthews will make the start on the mound for Minnesota, and the Athletics have yet to announce a starting pitcher.