Following back-to-back much-needed wins against the lowly Chicago White Sox to improve their record to 9-15, the Twins placed utility player Willi Castro on the 10-Day IL with a right oblique strain, optioned right-handed starting pitcher David Festa to Triple-A St. Paul and recalled utility player Mickey Gasper from the Saints, according to a post from the Twins' X account.
Mickey Gasper recalled from Triple-A St. Paul; Willi Castro placed on IL
Castro was removed from the Twins' game on April 16 against the New York Mets in the eighth inning with the oblique injury.
Castro, an All-Star last year, has hit .227/.292/.364 (87 OPS+) in 72 plate appearances this season.
Given that Castro was sidelined six-straight games while staying on the major league roster following being removed in the game against the Mets, the Twins were likely hoping an IL stint would be avoided. But clearly, Castro needs some time to rest.
The recall of Gasper brings attention to Minnesota's recent influx of injuries. In 22 plate appearances with the Twins this season, Gasper collected just two hits, all singles, and walked four times before getting demoted to Triple-A St. Paul on April 18.
Gasper, 29, has performed on-brand since his demotion to the Saints, going 4-for-12 with two home runs and three walks. In 1616 minor league plate appearances, he holds a .275/.393/.453 slash line.
David Festa demoted to Triple-A St. Paul
Festa didn’t have his best start last night against arguably the worst team in the league, the White Sox. In four innings of work, Festa allowed two earned runs, four hits and three walks while striking out five. He was removed after allowing a pair of baserunners with no outs in the fifth inning, finishing his night with 84 pitches.
In three starts for the Twins this season, Festa has a 1.38 ERA and 2.33 FIP in 13 innings. His demotion was most likely to make room for Twins’ ace Pablo López, who is expected to return to the rotation this weekend.
Twins aiming to complete series sweep over White Sox
The series finale between the Twins’ and White Sox is slated to start at 12:10 p.m. Thursday at Target Field. Right-handed pitcher Chris Paddack will make the start on the mound for the Twins, and righty Shane Smith will start for the White Sox.