FORT MYERS, Fla. – Spring training for the Minnesota Twins has hit a snag, with several key players facing injury concerns as the team prepares for the 2026 season. Third baseman Royce Lewis was removed from Thursday’s exhibition lineup due to right side tightness, adding to a growing list of health issues for the club. The situation underscores the fragility of preseason preparations and the challenges teams face in maintaining player health ahead of the regular season. This latest development comes as the Twins grapple with the absence of ace pitcher Pablo López, who underwent Tommy John surgery earlier this week.
Lewis, a pivotal part of the Twins’ offensive plans, experienced discomfort while running the bases during warmups, prompting the team to take a precautionary approach. The 26-year-old is looking to build on a 2025 season where he hit .237 with a .283 on-base percentage and .388 slugging percentage, having worked with an outside hitting coach during the offseason to refine his approach at the plate. His spring performance had been encouraging, with two hits, including a home run, in his first two games. The Twins are understandably cautious, given Lewis’s injury history and his importance to the team’s success. This latest setback raises questions about his readiness for Opening Day on March 26th.
Lewis’s Injury and the Twins’ Third Base Options
The timing of Lewis’s injury is particularly concerning as the Twins evaluate their options at third base. While the team has not yet disclosed the severity of the tightness, the decision to scratch him from the lineup suggests it’s more than a minor issue. The Twins will likely monitor Lewis closely over the next few days to assess his condition and determine a course of action. The team has not announced a specific timetable for his return, but the precautionary nature of the move indicates they are prioritizing his long-term health over immediate spring training appearances.
Beyond Lewis, the Twins are also dealing with an injury to right-hander David Festa, who has been shut down from throwing for approximately two weeks to allow a shoulder impingement to heal. According to team officials, this injury is distinct from the one that sidelined Festa for the final two months of the 2025 season. Festa, who has made 23 starts over the past two seasons, was competing for a spot in the rotation or a long relief role. His absence further complicates the Twins’ pitching plans, particularly in light of López’s season-ending surgery.
López’s Recovery and the Pitching Rotation Puzzle
The loss of Pablo López is a significant blow to the Twins’ pitching staff. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, February 24th, 2026 and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season. While the procedure did not require a full ligament reconstruction, according to head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta, his recovery will still take considerable time. Paparesta indicated that López is on track to be fully ready for the 2027 season. AP News reported on the details of the surgery and recovery timeline.
With López sidelined, the Twins are now faced with the challenge of filling a crucial spot in their rotation. Currently, six pitchers are vying for the remaining five starting positions: All-Star Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Taj Bradley, Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, and Mick Abel. Ryan’s own preparation has been disrupted by lower back tightness, which has temporarily paused his throwing program, though he is still expected to be ready for Opening Day. The competition for these spots will be intense throughout the remainder of spring training, as each pitcher looks to impress manager Rocco Baldelli and secure a place in the starting lineup.
The Contenders for the Rotation
Joe Ryan, a proven performer, is expected to lead the rotation when healthy. Bailey Ober and Taj Bradley offer further experience and potential. Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, and Mick Abel represent the next wave of pitching talent, all eager to establish themselves as key contributors. The Twins’ coaching staff will be carefully evaluating each pitcher’s performance, command, and overall readiness as they produce their final decisions.
Twins Add Kent, Adjust Roster Amidst Injuries
In a related roster move, the Twins claimed right-handed reliever Zak Kent off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, February 26th, 2026. To create a roster spot for Kent, the Twins placed Pablo López on the 60-day injured list. This move highlights the team’s proactive approach to managing their roster and ensuring they have sufficient depth in the bullpen. Kent’s addition provides the Twins with another arm in relief, which could prove valuable as the season progresses.
The Twins’ recent string of injuries underscores the inherent risks of baseball and the importance of having a deep and versatile roster. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial to their success in the upcoming season. The front office will likely be exploring all available options to bolster their pitching depth and ensure they are well-prepared for the long season ahead. The situation also emphasizes the importance of player conditioning and injury prevention programs.
Key Takeaways
- Royce Lewis is sidelined with right side tightness, raising concerns about his availability for Opening Day.
- David Festa is out for two weeks with a shoulder impingement, impacting the Twins’ pitching depth.
- Pablo López’s Tommy John surgery will keep him out for the entire 2026 season.
- The Twins have added Zak Kent to the roster to bolster their bullpen.
- Competition for the remaining starting pitching spots is fierce, with six contenders vying for five positions.
The Minnesota Twins face a challenging road ahead as they navigate these injury setbacks. The team’s ability to overcome these obstacles will depend on the resilience of their players, the depth of their roster, and the effectiveness of their coaching staff. The next update on Lewis’s condition is expected in the coming days, and fans will be eagerly awaiting news on his recovery. The Twins’ spring training schedule continues, with the team focused on preparing for the start of the regular season despite these recent challenges.
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