Twins' David Festa says season-ending injury isn't as serious as previously reported
Less than a week ago, the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Betsy Helfand reported that Twins head trainer Nick Paparesta believed Twins pitcher David Festa, whom the Twins shut down for the remainder of the year on Sept. 2 after he attempted to return from the injured list, is suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome after meeting with Dr. Keith Meister.
However, The Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale reported on Friday that Festa said his injury "is related to a compressed nerve, and not the typical symptoms from thoracic outlet syndrome." Festa expects to be ready for spring training next year.
If Festa ends up being ready for spring training next year, he still might find himself converted into a bullpen role. The Twins have a large number of starting pitchers under contract through next season, and Festa has struggled in the major leagues. However, his pitch mix still has the potential to consistently mow down major league hitters. Festa relies on four pitches: a mid-90s fastball (37.1%), high-80s changeup (29%), high-80s slider (26.8%) and mid-90s sinker (12.5%).
Festa has made 11 appearances (10 starts) for the Twins this year, posting a 5.40 ERA (4.87 FIP) with a 23.1% strikeout rate, 8.3% walk rate and 35.1% ground-ball rate in 53 1/3 innings.
Festa made his MLB debut with Minnesota last season. He had 14 outings (13 starts) for the Twins in 2024, posting a 4.90 ERA with 77 strikeouts and 23 walks in 64 1/3 innings.
The Twins had Festa start the 2025 season with Triple-A St. Paul before adding him to the big-league squad in early April due to Pablo López suffering a mild hamstring strain. Festa made three starts before being sent back to Triple-A St. Paul, where he has a 2.59 ERA with 39 strikeouts and seven walks in 31 1/3 innings over seven starts this season. The Twins promoted Festa for a second time this season after López suffered a right shoulder strain. Festa stayed in the majors until landing on the injured list in late July.