As the 2025 MLB season progresses, fantasy managers are keenly watching emerging talents among starting pitchers, notably David Festa, Justin Verlander, and Brandon Walter. Festa, recently boasting a stellar outing against the Tigers, still carries concerns with his command and susceptibility to the long ball. His strikeout potential makes him an intriguing waiver wire target despite the risks associated with his fastball and slider.

Verlander, once a dominant force, is struggling to regain his peak form. A recent quality start against the White Sox raises questions about his viability in fantasy leagues, as he continues to battle inconsistency and a deteriorating fastball. On the other hand, Walter has shown promise, earning quality starts despite previous hiccups, making him a potential addition for managers seeking depth in pitching.

The Minnesota Twins have found a much-needed rhythm in their starting rotation, delivering three consecutive scoreless outings against the Detroit Tigers. Joe Ryan kicked off the streak with six shutout innings, followed by Simeon Woods Richardson's five-scoreless innings. David Festa capped the series opener by throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings, helping the Twins secure a 4-1 victory.

Festa, who had struggled previously with a 6.39 ERA, displayed impressive command, striking out six without issuing a walk. The Twins' offense supported him with contributions from Byron Buxton, who hit his 18th home run, and Brooks Lee, who drove in two runs. With this performance, the Twins improved their pitching performance significantly, showcasing the depth and capability of their staff.

The Minnesota Twins faced another tough defeat on Sunday, falling 9-8 to the Milwaukee Brewers despite a spirited comeback effort. The loss marks their ninth defeat in the last ten games, with pitchers allowing a staggering 35 runs over the three-game series.

Byron Buxton stood out, hitting two home runs including a game-tying shot in the first inning. However, the pitching woes were evident, particularly from David Festa, who gave up eight runs in just four innings. The Twins rallied, scoring five runs between the sixth and eighth innings, thanks in large part to contributions from Ryan Jeffers and Ty France, but ultimately couldn't complete the comeback.

The Minnesota Twins faced a tough challenge against the Milwaukee Brewers, eventually falling 9-8 despite a valiant attempt to overcome a six-run deficit. Byron Buxton's standout performance included two home runs, extending his remarkable streak of leadoff homers. The Twins amassed 18 hits, their largest total this season, yet left runners stranded in critical moments, continuing a troubling trend that sees them losing 13 of their last 16 games. The Brewers capitalized on key defensive miscues, notably from Brooks Lee, while pitching struggles from David Festa further burdened the Twins’ efforts.

The game saw the Twins battling back with a two-run homer from Ty France in the eighth, narrowing the gap to one run. However, they were unable to convert in the ninth despite putting runners on base. This defeat marked their fourth series sweep of the season, highlighting the Twins’ struggles both offensively and defensively, and raising questions about their potential for the remainder of the season.

Byron Buxton's All-Star aspirations solidified further during a stellar performance against the Texas Rangers. The Minnesota Twins' outfielder not only showcased his defensive prowess with a jaw-dropping diving catch but also demonstrated his power at the plate, smashing a 479-foot home run to give the Twins a decisive lead. Buxton contributed significantly with multiple hits, including a double and a single, and nearly completed a cycle while also adding a stolen base to his night.

Pitcher David Festa took advantage of the offensive support, bouncing back from a tough outing to deliver a solid performance, allowing just two runs. Despite an early home run from Marcus Semien giving the Rangers a lead, Festa's strong sixth inning helped secure the Twins' 6-2 victory, marking a crucial win as teams approach the All-Star break.