Rookie David Festa and the Minnesota Twins face Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers on July 21. Can the Twins' power bats overcome Ohtani's dominant 1.00 ERA?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
After a feel-good 7-1 thrashing of the Rockies, the Minnesota Twins are stepping up in weight class in a big way. Tonight, they walk into the bright lights of Dodger Stadium to face a living legend in Shohei Ohtani. It's a classic David vs. Goliath scenario on the mound, with rookie David Festa tasked with taming a potent Dodgers lineup while staring down a pitcher who has posted a mind-boggling 1.00 ERA.
David Festa (5.25 ERA) vs. Shohei Ohtani (1.00 ERA)
Let's not sugarcoat it: tonight's pitching matchup is lopsided. Shohei Ohtani has been nothing short of spectacular for the Dodgers, while David Festa is still finding his footing in the big leagues. However, baseball is a funny game. The Dodgers are currently riding a three-game losing streak, and the Twins' offense has the power to change a game with one swing. Minnesota ranks 10th in the majors with 118 home runs, and they'll need that power from guys like Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis, and Matt Wallner—who both went deep in Sunday's win—to have a fighting chance. If Festa can keep the game close early, the Twins' bats might just be able to pull off a stunner.
The Twins aren't just limping into Los Angeles; they're coming in hot off a dominant performance against Colorado. Joe Ryan was masterful, striking out 11 batters, and the offense provided plenty of support. Royce Lewis and Matt Wallner supplied the power, while Byron Buxton (.289 AVG, 22 HR, 57 RBI) and Carlos Correa (.267 AVG) continue to be the steadying forces in the lineup. This team has shown it can compete, boasting a pitching staff that ranks 9th in fewest home runs allowed. That combination of power at the plate and stinginess on the mound is their formula for success, and it will be put to the ultimate test tonight.
While Festa gets the tough assignment tonight, the Twins' pitching staff as a whole is seeing some movement. The team recently activated righty Zebby Matthews from the IL, sending Travis Adams down to St. Paul to make room. These minor tweaks are part of the constant roster churn, similar to the recent acquisition of RHP Noah Davis and the departure of LHP Joey Wentz. The bigger news, however, is brewing in the farm system. Ace-in-the-making Bailey Ober began a rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints on July 18. His return to the rotation can't come soon enough and would provide a massive boost for the second half.
Tonight's game is more than just one of 162; it's a measuring stick. Can the Twins hang with the National League elite? Can their power bats solve the Ohtani puzzle? A win would be a massive confidence booster, but even a competitive showing would prove this team has the grit to battle anyone. As they navigate this tough West Coast trip, all eyes will also be on St. Paul, awaiting the return of key pieces like Bailey Ober and Luke Keaschall, who could be the catalysts for a late-season surge.
