Carlos Correa Exits Game After Getting Plunked; David Festa Has Up and Down Debut for Twins

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Jun 27, 2024

Chris Paddack begged the Minnesota Twins for a break and they obliged by putting David Festa into the starting rotation. Taking his first big league turn against the Arizona Diamondbacks, his new big league teammates gave him a breather early and the bats did the rest. It wasn’t all good news in Phoenix, though.

David Festa settles in for Minnesota Twins

Looking to win a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, David Festa was tasked with starting against big-time free agent Jordan Montgomery. While Scott Boras’ client has struggled all year, Festa found no problems slicing and dicing through the Diamondbacks lineup.

Despite it taking a couple of innings to record his first strikeout, he worked through two hitless innings while his lineup provided him with six runs of cushion. Festa showed the velocity that has allowed him to dominate Triple-A, touching 96.9 mph on the gun .

David Festa K(1) pic.twitter.com/jHKypWGsGH
— Ted (@tlschwerz) June 27, 2024

After Ketel Marte took him deep for the Diamondbacks first run, Joc Pederson stepped in and was punched out against a slider. It was the Twins prospect’s first strikeout of his career, and he was off and running. He told Christian Walker to sit down on a changeup in his next at bat, and now it was clear the Minnesota hurler was rolling.

Fourth does David Festa in for Minnesota Twins

While the strikeouts certainly didn’t add up early, the hits did late. David Festa faced the Arizona lineup for a second time during the fourth inning, and the Diamondbacks made adjustments. After putting a run on the board, and with two outs, five straight singles scored another three runs and made it an 11-4 contest.

It should be easy to put this all in perspective for Festa though. He wasn’t supposed to be here. He hasn’t ever been prioritized his entire career. He’s had to work for it through high school, college, and into the big leagues. His dad put that into perspective during the broadcast, and it’s a reminder that talent can emerge from anywhere.

david festa was a division 3 commit heading into his senior year

didn’t pitch until final year of high school

walked on at seton hall

went 10-11 with a 3.49 era

was a 13th round pick by twins

went from 90 to 97

now starting an mlb game

good message from his dad ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Ov7CXJ4QvS
— parker hageman (@HagemanParker) June 27, 2024

Of course Festa wasn’t in jeopardy of losing his lead, but it was clear the opposition began to figure him out. Topping out at 96.6 mph in the fourth inning, Festa sat much more in the 94-95 mph range, and his velocity had begun to tail off.

Rocco Baldelli gave his rookie a strong boost of confidence in sending him back out for the fifth inning, with an eight run lead, despite his tough fourth inning. Given the margin, there was room to operate, but he was going to allow the young prospect an opportunity to find his way.

Marte started the inning with a double before Pederson flew out. Christian Walker’s groundout scored a fifth run, but the Twins were just trading outs and Festa finished in line for a win.

Carlos Correa plunked and down bad for Minnesota Twins

There have been fewer hitters hotter than Carlos Correa of late. Unfortunately Arizona reliever Bryce Jarvis, who has failed to control the strike zone, hit him on the back wrist during the seventh inning.

It immediately induced a frustrated response from the Twins shortstop, and he walked into the clubhouse after being attended to by Rocco Baldelli and Nick Paparesta. X-rays were reportedly negative… thank goodness.

Uhh this ain't good for Carlos Correa.

Immediately to the dugout. pic.twitter.com/wxEpd0plr4
— Ryan Bloomfield (@RyanBHQ) June 27, 2024

Carlos Correa has left the game. pic.twitter.com/zeixp4PTik
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) June 27, 2024

Losing Correa for any amount of time would be a significant blow to the Twins lineup, and his lack of presence would mean Brooks Lee gets an immediate promotion from Triple-A. Lewis and Lee would take over the left side of the infield, and Correa will hopefully be diagnosed with something that requires a minimal stay on the injured list.