NEW YORK — The Twins were unable to come to an agreement on a trade that would have brought another starter into the fold ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. That means they’ll have to be reliant on those already within the organization.
And on Tuesday, they got a good look at a starter whom they expect to be part of their future. Though the Twins fell 2-0 to the New York Mets on Tuesday night at Citi Field, rookie David Festa was solid in his outing, giving up two runs on three hits in his five innings of work.
Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins strikes out to end the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 30, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
After getting hit around in his first two major league starts, allowing 12 runs through 10 innings, Tuesday night marked the second straight promising effort from Festa, who is currently pitching in the rotation spot that had been occupied by the now-injured Chris Paddack.
In his last appearance, he cooled the Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup, one of the best in baseball, giving up one run in 4 1/3 innings in a bulk relief appearance.
While Paddack is injured and the Twins feel good about the top of their rotation led by Pablo López, Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, Festa, the organization’s top pitching prospect, was among the starters mentioned by president of baseball operations Derek Falvey as those whom they are looking to to step up.
“We’re going to have a lot of young guys that are going to have to play a role for us,” Falvey said. “These guys are going to be part of our future. They’re part of our present and future with (Simeon Woods Richardson) and Festa and Louie Varland and guys like Zebby Matthews and others that are down in Triple-A that could find a way. So these guys all need to be ready to contribute to the group, hopefully in a postseason setting.”
On Tuesday, the New Jersey native gave up a run in the fourth inning after a walk, balk, wild pitch and J.D. Martinez single, and one more in the fifth on a Mark Vientos home run. But he struck out six and generally faired well in his homecoming in front of a group of family and friends.
Despite his efforts, he took the loss as the Twins’ offense was quieted by Mets starter Sean Manaea, who fanned 11, walked just one and allowed just two hits in his seven innings.
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