The Minnesota Twins have an open starting rotation spot after Pablo López suffered a torn UCL. Based on experience, the rotation from 1 to 4 will most likely include Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson and Taj Bradley. The fifth spot in the rotation will likely go to either Mick Abel or Zebby Matthews, unless Minnesota decides to begin the season with a six-man rotation.
David Festa is another starting pitching option for the Twins, but many signs point toward him being more valuable as a reliever. Festa, 25, landed on the IL with shoulder inflammation in late July. He was on track to return to the team in September before being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. Luckily, the righty received Botox injections instead of undergoing surgery.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has completely changed the careers of various star pitchers. Stephen Strasburg made just eight starts after undergoing neurogenic TOS surgery, and Chris Archer and Matt Harvey went from elite starters to struggling veterans after undergoing neurogenic TOS surgery.
Twins' righty David Festa best suited for bullpen role, even with Pablo López's injury
The fact that Festa won't have to undergo surgery (at least not yet) for TOS is a good sign, but the injury is still worrisome. Having him pitch out of the bullpen is probably the best idea for the young righty.
There are other reasons for Festa to be in the bullpen besides the injury he suffered last season. First, the rotation is still pretty full without López, and several young pitching prospects such as Connor Prielipp, Kendry Rojas, Andrew Morris and others will likely get a chance to be in the big-league rotation at some point in the near future.
Festa has struggled in the big leagues thus far, posting a 5.12 ERA over 117 2/3 innings. His 4.27 FIP suggests he's been a bit unlucky, but still not great.
However, Festa has dominated the first time through the order as a starter, posting a 2.45 ERA over 55 innings with 56 strikeouts and 12 walks while opposing batters slash .166/.222/.280. His ERA the second time through the order is an awful 7.56 across 41 2/3 innings. Given his ability to pitch well during the opening innings of his starts, he should be able to be an effective reliever. Maybe he's the next Louis Varland.
David Festa could be Twins' next version of Louis Varland
Festa has had success throwing his changeup and slider in the majors, but he's struggled to be effective with his mid-90s four-seamer and sinker. If he can limit the number of times opposing batters see his fastball and sinker while continuing to throw his off-speed pitches effectively, he could be a force in the bullpen for Minnesota.