The Athletic's Dan Hayes provided an injury update on right-handers Mick Abel and David Festa. Let's just say the news is less than ideal.
Nothing is official. But based on the potential timelines, sounds as if David Festa and Mick Abel are doubtful to pitch again this season. #MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 19, 2026
Fans are absolutely devastated by the news. Granted, it isn't that surprising, considering both right-handers kept suffering setbacks this year. But it still sucks to hear.
Absolutely crushed on Abel! Kid looks like he has it too
— Eric (@e_hughes11) July 19, 2026
ok i’ve had enough bad twins news. no more of that please. https://t.co/SWoAp4PqMR
— greta theft autumn ✿ (4.3% FC) (@2007warpedtour) July 19, 2026
I’m not shocked (I also doubt we Ever see Festa again) but it also sucks to see
— aidan (4.3% FC) 🌊 (@MVPrielipp) July 19, 2026
Abel, 24, began the season with two rough outings, then threw 13 scoreless innings with 16 strikeouts over his last two MLB starts before landing on the IL on April 20 with right elbow inflammation.
Originally, Abel's injury didn't appear too serious. In early May, signs were pointing toward him returning soon. Unfortunately, he underwent a cortisone shot in his right triceps after feeling soreness following a bullpen session in early May, halting his rehab.
Finally, Abel began a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on June 10. He allowed just two hits and no walks with five strikeouts over three innings in his first rehab start. Then, he allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and no walks with five strikeouts across five innings in his second rehab appearance.
After his strong five-inning performance for Triple-A St. Paul, he was expected to rejoin the Twins for the Diamondbacks series (June 19-21).
Mick Abel, David Festa injury news a brutal blow for the Minnesota Twins
But after a bullpen session on June 19, Abel felt renewed discomfort and was scratched. The right-hander then underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow, per MLB.com's Matthew Leach. Abel had his bone shaved, per Hayes.
Meanwhile, Festa hasn't pitched all season. The Twins placed Festa, a starting pitcher whom many beleve could be converted to a reliever, on the IL in July of last season due to right shoulder inflammation. He began a rehab assignment in late August, but the Twins stopped it after Abel suffered a compressed nerve, per Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune.
David Festa says his shoulder issue is related to a compressed nerve, and not the typical symptoms from thoracic outlet syndrome.
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 12, 2025
He said his visit with Dr. Keith Meister brought good news and he expects to be fine for spring training next year.
Then, Festa suffered another right shoulder injury, an impingement, during spring training, leading to him being placed on the 15-day IL to begin the 2026 season. Minnesota moved Festa to the 60-day IL on April 2. The right-hander hasn't even thrown a pitch in a minor-league game this year.
With the Twins' rotation dealing with multiple injuries this year and the team trying to limit Connor Prielipp's innings, losing Abel and Festa for the whole season is a huge blow for Minnesota.
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