Royce Lewis is set to begin his rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints, as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained earlier this season. Expected to make his first at-bats of the season, Lewis will be testing a new 'torpedo bat' that shifts the barrel closer to the handle, a trend that several hitters are adopting to enhance their offensive capability. Manager Rocco Baldelli indicates that Lewis will gradually integrate into gameplay, starting with designated hitting duties before progressing to full games at third base.

The Minnesota Twins are optimistic about Lewis's return, as he is seen as a key player who can elevate the team's performance. However, it will take some time for him to reach full game fitness. Meanwhile, David Festa is also making headlines with a strong performance at the Triple-A level, having struck out 15 batters in 13 innings during his stint with the Twins. Festa's candidness about his development is viewed positively, indicating a strong potential for future contributions to the major league team.

The American League free agent market is heating up as we identify key players poised to make an impact in 2025. Tyler Anderson of the Angels has started the season strong, posting a 2.87 ERA, while the Twins look to David Festa, who recently showcased a solid K:BB rate in his initial starts. J.T. Ginn of the Athletics has been an impressive strikeout artist in the minors and earned a win against the Mets. The Astros are dealing with injuries in their rotation, giving Ryan Gusto an opportunity to shine. Kyle Hendricks has found his form with the Angels, while Easton Lucas of the Blue Jays continues to build momentum with two scoreless outings.
Additionally, the Twins consider Zebby Matthews for a potential call-up, and Lance McCullers Jr. is on the path to return from injuries. Meanwhile, teams like the Red Sox are monitoring Liam Hendriks’ recovery as he transitions back into a key role in their bullpen.

The Minnesota Twins are making adjustments to their pitching rotation as they navigate a grueling stretch of 12 consecutive games without rest. David Festa is set to make his start against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, filling in for Pablo López, who will be placed on the injured list due to a grade 1 hamstring strain. Manager Rocco Baldelli indicated that this is a proactive measure to manage the workload on their starters amidst a busy schedule.

Festa, who had a rocky start to his big-league career last year, has shown improvement, posting a solid 3.81 ERA over his last 54 innings. Zebby Matthews is also expected to make an appearance in the rotation following Festa, showcasing the Twins' depth. Meanwhile, López reflected on his injury, expressing disappointment and frustration as he strives to maintain his durability.