Minnesota Twins’ top pitcher, Pablo Lopez, is expected to be sidelined for at least two months due to a Grade 2 strain in the main muscle of his right shoulder, the team announced Wednesday night. The 29-year-old left his Tuesday start early after shoulder pain and will not begin his throwing program for at least four weeks. Lopez has maintained an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.36, an ERA+ of 146, and has started 11 games this season, contributing over 1.3 wins above replacement.
With Lopez out until August, the Twins face decisions on how to adjust their pitching rotation, which initially looked like: RHP Jo Ryan, RHP Pablo Lopez, RHP Zebby Matthews, RHP Bailey Ober, and RHP Crispadick. To fill the gap, the Twins plan to start David Festa on Thursday; Festa has pitched well in three major league appearances, allowing 15 runs (including two home runs) over 15 innings while walking five batters. Festa was the 13th-round draft pick from Seton Hall and last pitched in the majors on April 23.
If Festa struggles, Minnesota has alternative internal options, including Simeon Woods Richardson (who struggled this year but was solid last season), Marco Raya (less likely due to his current performance), and Travis Adams (yet to make his major league debut). The Twins also have Andrew Morris in Triple-A, though he is not on the 40-man roster.
The team’s moves during Lopez’s absence and their ability to maintain rotation depth will be critical as the Twins aim for a playoff spot. Currently, the Twins hold a 33-27 record and have bounced back from a rough start to boast the best record in the majors over their last 30 games.
Fan Take: This injury is a significant setback for the Twins, putting a spotlight on their depth and flexibility in pitching. For baseball fans, it underscores how crucial it is for teams to develop strong farm systems and adaptable rosters to navigate the inevitable challenges of a long season.
