David Festa, Travis Adams placed on 15-day IL
The Twins placed right-handers Festa and Adams on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to March 22. Both moves were expected. Festa is dealing with right shoulder impingement, while Adams is recovering from a right tricep strain.
Festa landed on the IL back in July because of right shoulder inflammation. He appeared on track to return late in the season, beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul in August. Unfortunately, his rehab was halted due to a thoracic outlet syndrome diagnosis. Luckily, the righty received Botox injections instead of undergoing surgery.
Festa seems like a prime candidate to be moved to the bullpen, as he has been successful the first time through the order in the majors and has struggled later in his outings. But with Pablo López sidelined for the season and concerns about Bailey Ober's velocity, Minnesota may need Festa in its rotation later in the season.
As for Adams, the righty was moved to a full-time bullpen role over the offseason. Adams, who made just three spring training appearances this year, will likely pitch for the Saints when he returns from his injury, but fans can expect to see him return to the majors later in the year.
Catcher Alex Jackson clears waiver after being DFA'd
The Twins were looking to trade Jackson, whom Minnesota acquired from the Baltimore Orioles for infield prospect Payton Eeles early in the offseason. The Twins were unable to find someone willing to trade for Jackson, who will make $1.35 million this year, so they designated him for assignment. He cleared waivers and will report to Triple-A St. Paul, according to The Athletic's Aaron Gleeman.
While Jackson is an expensive Triple-A player, he provides the Twins with solid catching depth behind Ryan Jeffers and Victor Caratini.
Matt Bowman signs minor-league deal with Twins after exercising opt-out
Bowman forced the Twins to decide on his roster status when he exercised his opt-out earlier in the week. The Twins granted Bowman his release, then signed him to a new minor-league deal. He allowed zero earned runs over 7 1/3 innings during 2026 spring training. He also hurled three scoreless innings for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic.
Dan Altavilla headed to minors after being left off Opening Day roster
Cody Laweryson and Zak Kent claim the final two spots in the #MNTwins bullpen.
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) March 24, 2026
Matt Bowman was released and Dan Altavilla reassigned to minor-league camp.
Bowman indicated previously he could be back soon.
It felt as if Altavilla had a good shot to make the Opening Day roster. His four-seamer can reach the high-90s, and he is coming off a season in which he posted a strong 2.48 ERA over 29 innings with the Chicago White Sox. Even though he won't be on the Opening Day roster, fans can expect to see him in the majors later in the season.