Pablo López likely headed to injured list
According to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes, Pablo López is most likely headed to the 15-day IL with a Grade 1 hamstring strain after exiting the game against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. The Twins’ ace left after 4 ⅔ innings and allowed one run, three hits and a walk with six strikeouts.
Minnesota’s opening-day starter holds a 1.62 ERA across 16 ⅔ innings in three starts this season. He had a rough outing in his first start of 2025, giving up eight hits and four runs (two earned) in five innings against the St. Louis Cardinals on March 27. López bounced back in his second start by allowing one run in seven innings against the Chicago White Sox on April 2 before his short-lived start on Tuesday.
David Festa gets call back to the majors
Sorry Zebby Matthews, but it appears Festa will replace López’s spot on the roster.
Festa is scheduled to start in Game 1 of the Twins’ upcoming series with the Detroit Tigers at 7:10 p.m. on Friday at Target Field. His last start for the Saints was a disaster, as he allowed six runs (five earned) on 10 hits in 3 ⅓ innings of work.
Back to Matthews, the 24-year-old pitcher had an impressive game on Tuesday, striking out nine and allowing a pair of runs in five innings of work. With his impressive performance as of late, Matthews should get a chance at a regular spot in the major league rotation soon, especially if Chris Paddack gets demoted to the bullpen.
Brooks Lee rehabbing
Lee began his rehab assignment on Sunday with Single-A Fort Myers, where he struck out twice in three at-bats. After his assignment was moved to Triple-A, Lee collected a single in two games straight.
Given the recent struggles of infielders Edouard Julien, José Miranda and Mickey Gasper, the Twins shouldn’t wait too long to bring Lee back to the big leagues. Hopefully for Minnesota, Lee returns to the major leagues soon and provides a much-needed spark for the offense.
Byron Buxton should return against the Tigers, Darren McCaughan clears waivers
Buxton missed the final two games of the series with Kansas City due to personal issues but is expected to return to the lineup against Detroit on Friday, according to 5 Eyewitness News' Darren Wolfson.
According to The Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale, the Twins sent McCaughan to St. Paul after the journeyman reliever cleared waivers, chose free agency and re-signed with the club. Since he only allowed one run in 5 ⅓ innings this season, McCaughan will likely get another call to the show in the near future.