Minnesota Twins: Royce Lewis Sidelined, David Festa Out for Opener | MLB Injury Update (2026)

The Minnesota Twins are dealing with a string of unfortunate injuries, with the latest news causing a stir among fans. Royce Lewis, the talented third baseman, was a late scratch from the exhibition game, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

But here's the catch: it's not a new injury. Lewis felt tightness in his right side, a precautionary measure taken by the team to avoid any further damage. This comes after a similar situation last year, when a strained left hamstring during spring training delayed his season debut.

And that's not all. The Twins also revealed that right-handed pitcher David Festa won't be ready for the season opener due to a shoulder impingement. This injury is a new concern, separate from the issue that kept him out for the last two months of the previous season. Festa's absence adds to the growing list of pitching woes, as ace Pablo López is already out for the entire 2026 season following Tommy John surgery on his elbow. However, there's a silver lining: López's surgery didn't require a full ligament reconstruction, indicating a promising recovery for 2027.

With Festa's setback, the Twins' rotation options are dwindling. They now have six candidates for five starting spots, including All-Star Joe Ryan, who is dealing with lower back tightness but is expected to be ready for opening day.

The Twins have made a recent waiver claim on reliever Zak Kent from the St. Louis Cardinals, a move that hints at their urgency to bolster the pitching staff.

But here's where it gets controversial: is the Twins' injury-prone reputation justified, or is it simply bad luck? The team's recent history of injuries has some fans questioning their training methods and player management. Are these unfortunate circumstances or a deeper issue?

What do you think? Is the Twins' injury crisis a cause for concern, or are these isolated incidents? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a thoughtful discussion on player health and team strategy.

Minnesota Twins: Royce Lewis Sidelined, David Festa Out for Opener | MLB Injury Update (2026)
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