Twins Scratch Lewis as Precaution for Right Side Tightness

Minnesota's third baseman was held out of exhibition game due to discomfort after running bases.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:05pm

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The Minnesota Twins have scratched third baseman Royce Lewis from the lineup of their exhibition game on Thursday as a precautionary measure due to tightness in his right side. Lewis experienced the discomfort after running the bases during pregame warmups. The Twins also announced that right-hander David Festa will be shut down from throwing for about two weeks to allow a shoulder impingement to heal, likely meaning he will start the regular season on the injured list.

Why it matters

Lewis missed significant time last season due to a hamstring injury, so the Twins are being cautious with any potential issues. The Twins' pitching staff has already taken a big hit with ace Pablo Lopez needing Tommy John surgery, so the team can ill afford additional injuries to their rotation.

The details

Royce Lewis experienced discomfort in his right side after running the bases during pregame warmups, prompting the Twins to scratch him from the exhibition game lineup as a precaution. The team also announced that right-hander David Festa will be shut down from throwing for about two weeks to allow a shoulder impingement to heal, likely meaning he will start the regular season on the injured list. Festa made 23 starts for the Twins over the past two seasons and was in the mix for a rotation or long relief spot.

  • On Thursday, the Twins scratched Royce Lewis from the exhibition game lineup.
  • The Twins announced that David Festa will be shut down from throwing for about two weeks.

The players

Royce Lewis

The Minnesota Twins' third baseman who experienced tightness in his right side during pregame warmups, prompting the team to scratch him from the exhibition game lineup as a precaution.

David Festa

A right-handed pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who will be shut down from throwing for about two weeks to allow a shoulder impingement to heal, likely meaning he will start the regular season on the injured list.

Pablo Lopez

The Minnesota Twins' ace pitcher who recently underwent Tommy John surgery that will keep him out for the entire 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“We must be cautious with any potential issues, especially after Royce missed significant time last season due to a hamstring injury.”

— Nick Paparesta, Head Athletic Trainer, Minnesota Twins

“Losing Pablo Lopez for the season was a big blow, so we can't afford any additional injuries to our rotation.”

— Rocco Baldelli, Manager, Minnesota Twins

What’s next

The Twins will continue to monitor Royce Lewis' right side tightness and determine if he is able to return to the lineup in the coming days. The team will also closely watch David Festa's recovery from the shoulder impingement to see if he can be ready for the start of the regular season.

The takeaway

The Twins are facing significant injury concerns to key players on their roster, including their starting third baseman and pitching staff. The team will need to navigate these challenges carefully to ensure they have a healthy and competitive team on the field for the start of the 2026 season.