Tigers 9, Twins 2, Festa struggles, Lee Makes MLB Debut in Loss to Tigers

[Theodore Tollefson]

The Twins played their second of three games against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. The game featured the Target Field debut of David Festa and the big-league debut of Brooks Lee, both of which were met with great applause. But could the Twins get another victory and secure a series win?

Image courtesy of © Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports

Box Score
SP: David Festa  5 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 0 BB, 6 K (81 pitches, 59 strikes (72.8% strikes))
Home Runs: Christian Vázquez (3)
Top 3 WPA: Willi Castro .046, José Miranda .029, Carlos Correa .015
Bottom 3 WPA: David Festa -.336, Trevor Larnach -.097, Carlos Santana -.094

Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)


Festa’s Target Field Debut 
There’s been a lot of anticipation surrounding Festa this season, as he’s had some of the best strikeout numbers in the upper minors. Twins fans got their first live, up-close look at the organization's top pitching prospect. Festa didn’t disappoint to start the game, striking out the Tigers' leadoff man, Matt Vierling, on six pitches.

But the first strikeout of the night didn’t set the tone for how Festa’s second career start would go. In fact, things got away from him after an eight-pitch second-inning. 

The third frame brought the most damage. He gave up a leadoff single to former Twin and walkup song fan favorite Gio Urshela, but managed to retire the next two batters on a strikeout and a fielder's choice. But the Tigers mounted a two-out rally, with back-to-back singles from Colt Keith and Riley Greene.

Then came light-hitting catcher Carson Kelly--who drilled a 95-mph fastball in the high part of the strike zone into the left-field bleachers for a grand slam. The bleeding wouldn’t stop there for the 24-year-old Festa, either, Tigers right fielder Wenceel Perez followed Kelly with a solo home run of his own the next at-bat, which was also his first home run in his last 206 plate appearances. Festa would give up one more hit to Justyn-Henry Malloy, but he got himself out of the inning with a flyout to right field from Zach McKinstry.

Despite escaping the jam, Festa finished the inning having thrown 29 pitches, putting him at 45 pitches for the evening. He fared much better again in the top of the fourth, replicating his success from the top of the second as he faced the minimum and retired them on 10 pitches. 

The fifth inning, though, found the rookie failing to locate again. Keith hit a slider just below the middle of the strike zone into center field for a triple. Festa tried to pitch around Greene, but threw a slider in the exact same location where Keith hit it for a triple--except Greene hit a two-run homer to make it 7-1, Tigers.

Festa completed the frame, but that would be where his second career start would end. While his command was effective, Festa threw many of his pitches right where the Tigers hitters wanted to see them. The big takeaway from this start was that he avoided walks, and the strikeout numbers looked closer to what they were in Triple-A than to his strangely whiffless debut. 

Brooks Lee Debuts
There have been many questions over the last few weeks about when Brooks Lee would get the call up to the majors. Unfortunately, the day arrived on Wednesday as a result of another Royce Lewis injury the night before.

Nonetheless, the long-awaited debut of the Twins' number-one pick from the 2022 Draft happened. He started at third base, which is appropriate, considering he was named after Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson. Lee struck out in his first at-bat, but things would turn up for him from there.

He got his first hit out of the way his second time to the plate with a single to center field. Come his third time at the plate, Lee was ready to check another box. Byron Buxton led off the bottom of the 7th with a double, and Lee wasted no time in the next at-bat, hitting a first-pitch slider into center field and making it a 7-2 game.

While the Twins were able to get the bases loaded for Carlos Santana on two walks and a fielder's choice later in the inning. Lee’s RBI single was the only run they got across, as Santana grounded out to end the inning. 

Despite the game's outcome, Lee made history on Wednesday night, as he was the first Twins left-handed or switch-hitter in two decades to have a multi-hit game in his MLB debut. The previous two Twins to do that were Joe Mauer, who went 2-for-3 against Cleveland on April 5, 2004, and Justin Morneau, who went 2-for-4 against Colorado on June 10, 2003. 

Bullpen Keeps Tigers Bats Quiet Until the Last Out 
Following Festa’s exit from the game, Twins relievers kept the Tigers' bats guessing. Josh Staumont entered the game first, and he needed to throw only 13 pitches to retire the minimum in the sixth. Caleb Thielbar came in for the seventh and retired the minimum on four fewer pitches.

The eighth went to fellow lefty Kody Funderburk, who continued the roll of retiring the minimum on 12 pitches. He’d remain on the mound for the top of the ninth, and he quickly retired the first two batters, but he then allowed the Twins' third triple of the game to left fielder Akil Baddoo. Vierling didn’t mess around with Funderburk, and he hit a 2-run shot to extend the Tigers lead 9-2. Funderburk would recover and get the final out of the inning on a strikeout. 

Despite the triple from Baddoo and homer from Vierling, the Twins bullpen still managed to keep the Tigers to only two hits and two runs through the last four innings. Staumont, Thielbar, and Funderburk also combined for four strikeouts.

What’s Next? 
The Twins finish up their three-game series against the Motor City Kitties tomorrow afternoon at 12:10. The game moved up an hour from its original start time due to weather. Bailey Ober will face off against old friend Kenta Maeda for the rubber match. 

Postgame Interview 
Coming soon.

 Bullpen Usage Sheet

 

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[BH67]

As Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits sang, “Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug…sometimes you’re the Louisville Slugger, sometimes you’re the ball.”

Whichever metaphor you prefer, tonight was the pulverized side. I await the Twins doing the pulverizing tomorrow.

[jimbo92107]

On the bright side, Brooks Lee looked like he's been a major league ballplayer all his life... which, in a way, he has.

[singlesoverwalks]

(whispers) we could call up rAnDy DoBnAk

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, singlesoverwalks said:

(whispers) we could call up rAnDy DoBnAk

Doubtful 

[USAFChief]

I don't think they can keep running Festa out there. 

 

[glunn]

16 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

I don't think they can keep running Festa out there. 

 

His raw stuff seems above average, and he had some bad luck in the third inning. I would be inclined to give him one more start in the hope that he can adjust to the show.

[Mai.K]

It's a different story
Jordan Balazovic has signed with Doosan, a Korean baseball team
$250,000 a year

[CRF]

Festa looks like he's in a bit over his head right now. I'd give him one more start and see if it turns out any better than his first two. If not, it's back to StP. 

[Doctor Wu]

The fact that Festa struck out 6 batters and didn't walk anyone is at least encouraging. But yeah, I would think he has a short leash right now as far as staying in the rotation. Just keep those hits away!

[Peter]

Bad game last night asides from Lee debut-win today and take series

[mark sills]

Do we give Zebby Mathews a chance or Andrew Morris both double a. Zebby walks no one, and Andrew Morris has given up one run in his last four starts with back to back nine strike out games.

[JD-TWINS]

7 hours ago, USAFChief said:

I don't think they can keep running Festa out there. 

 

I think he gets one more look in or around the 8th and hopefully Paddack is rested up by July 19-20 or so……if not, it’s problematic.

[jorgenswest]

They made their choice and took the risk of devoting a 40 man roster spot to a player that may not be ready and is not someone they will remove from the 40. I don’t think they can double down and try others not on the 40 and hope it works out unless it is someone like Dobnak that they can DFA. He is on the 40. I would keep give him until all star break.

[JD-TWINS]

19 minutes ago, mark sills said:

Do we give Zebby Mathews a chance or Andrew Morris both double a. Zebby walks no one, and Andrew Morris has given up one run in his last four starts with back to back nine strike out games.

Nope…..gotta be fair to them and there’s other more experienced options in between……not all about stats.

[JD-TWINS]

Big difference between walking nobody (or few) and “command”. To me, command is locating the ball properly, not loosely throwing it into the strike zone.

He’s got good enough stuff!

His command is mediocre, particularly with his changeup.

He continually threw his fastball center of the plate, 6” below & 4” above the zone. Intentionally, I think! Eventually, (grand slam) a guy will sit on that pitch if ahead in the count. Maybe mixed results for the hitter but it’s an increased opportunity for the batter. Up and in, or even better, down and away or down and in off the plate, (any variation) occasionally, makes everything more effective. He gave up a high, center cut fastball for granny & then, in next at bat, hung a change in the middle of the plate. “Strikes” but with poor command!

I think most of the issue is immaturity and developing between his ears, not physical capability. He was shaking off Vazquez and throwing fastballs like he was Nolan Ryan - it caught up to him. …….I think his future is solid, just needs to gather himself and be smarter pitch to pitch and in less of a hurry. Just an opinion.

 

[Doctor Gast]

Like Lewis, there was no doubt in my mind that Lee would arrive at MLB like he belonged there. I'm disappointed that I missed it. I thought we had chance against Montero with Festa but only the bottom of the order did any damage against him. DET struck an artery, Stamant & Thielbar came in & stopped the bleeding but the game could not be saved.

Encouraging points: #1 Lee #2 Vazquez put a nice swing on that HR, maybe after a decent June, he can add to it in July. #3 Thielbar had another scoreless inning, Like I said I didn't watch the game so I can't say how impressive he was or make a comment on Festa, nevertheless it was a learning experience. IMO Festa had started with a few good innings, bring up Varland to piggyback, to take up the slack.

CLE lost to CWS so Go Twins!

[Dave The Dastardly]

10 hours ago, BH67 said:

As Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits sang, “Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug…sometimes you’re the Louisville Slugger, sometimes you’re the ball.”

Whichever metaphor you prefer, tonight was the pulverized side. I await the Twins doing the pulverizing tomorrow.

I thought it was Mary Chapin Carpenter

[D.C Twins]

Me thinks that Lee is up to stay.... 

[Dave The Dastardly]

49 minutes ago, mark sills said:

Do we give Zebby Mathews a chance or Andrew Morris both double a. Zebby walks no one, and Andrew Morris has given up one run in his last four starts with back to back nine strike out games.

Both are exciting prospects but I'd get them a little AAA experience before making the Big Jump. A few starts for the Saints might be all either one needs to prove themselves ready for the Show.

[Jeff K]

10 hours ago, BH67 said:

As Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits sang, “Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug…sometimes you’re the Louisville Slugger, sometimes you’re the ball.”

Whichever metaphor you prefer, tonight was the pulverized side. I await the Twins doing the pulverizing tomorrow.

Great music quote from the great Dire Straits!

 

[Jeff K]

9 hours ago, singlesoverwalks said:

(whispers) we could call up rAnDy DoBnAk

As nutty as that sounds...he's been pretty darned good this season.

[JD-TWINS]

55 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

Like Lewis, there was no doubt in my mind that Lee would arrive at MLB like he belonged there. I'm disappointed that I missed it. I thought we had chance against Montero with Festa but only the bottom of the order did any damage against him. DET struck an artery, Stamant & Thielbar came in & stopped the bleeding but the game could not be saved.

Encouraging points: #1 Lee #2 Vazquez put a nice swing on that HR, maybe after a decent June, he can add to it in July. #3 Thielbar had another scoreless inning, Like I said I didn't watch the game so I can't say how impressive he was or make a comment on Festa, nevertheless it was a learning experience. IMO Festa had started with a few good innings, bring up Varland to piggyback, to take up the slack.

CLE lost to CWS so Go Twins!

My immediate reaction to the Varland “piggy back” was it won’t work, not an option. 30 seconds later????

Varland is strong enough to throw 3 innings in “a Festa start” and throw 1 inning in between. This approach wouldn’t shorten the Pen enough to be harmful…..at first blush.

Problem is, when (on what pitch) is Festa grooving a pitch for a home run? It’s worth some consideration! ……probably only from those who frequent TD.

Probably giving Festa one more start regardless of outcome and back to Paddack from July 19 to September 1st……. then a re-shuffling.

[Whitey333]

Festa doesn't look quite ready for the big show.  Maybe one more try.  After all in a pennant race, yes we are over half the season,  you can't afford to have such a weakness in your rotation.  Great job Brooks Lee.  Nice MLB debut.

 

Twins attendance continues to lag.  Mostly through their own fault for many poor decisions this past year and poorly handled in public relations.  As of Wednesday the Twins ranked 24th out of 30 MLB teams in attendance.  In fact all of the American League Central are in the bottom 8 in attendance.

N

[BH67]

1 hour ago, Dave The Dastardly said:

I thought it was Mary Chapin Carpenter

Dire Straits wrote and recorded "The Bug" first. Her fantastic cover followed shortly thereafter.

[TopGunn#22]

I agree that Festa doesn't look like he's ready.  It's debatable whether they should even give him one more start.  He's given up 5 runs in 5 innings in start #1 (it was somewhat overlooked with a 13-run outburst) and now 7 runs in five innings last night.  He's just not ready.

There was another thread on the topic of trade interest in Matt Wallner.  As Doogie was the source there is always a little bit of skepticism regarding his "scoops," but I would like to suggest a package with Wallner being a part of it in a trade for Jesus Luzardo.  We have a gaping hole in our #5 spot in the rotation.  Paddack is not the answer.  Festa is not the answer.  Varland is not the answer, and Dobnak is not the answer.

Luzardo is having a bad year year for a now "dumpster fire" Marlins organization.  His value appears to be the lowest it has been in a long time.  I'm not sure where Wallner's value is at after his rough spring and now red hot June, (he had roughly a 14.0 value last time I checked BBTV's in the winter) but improving the rotation by adding a #2 with 2 more years of control after this season seems like a good move for the "NOW" and the "FUTURE."  I would be happy with a staff or Lopez, Ryan, Luzardo, Ober and SWR.  

It's not like I'm desperate to give up Wallner.  I love his power and cannon-like arm in a corner OF.  But we need to shore up our staff in the "now" and "future" time frame and with Emmanuel Rodriguez on the way and Trevor Larnach showing a bit more consistency I would pursue a move like this.  It would probably take Wallner and "something else" to pull it off.  I don't use Baseball Trade Values anymore because I refuse to pay for something year round that I would only use in July and maybe December-January.  

[LambchoP]

I think Festa should get one more start to see if he can do any better. His stuff looks great, just needs to command it better. If they send him down, and Paddack still isn't ready, I think Varland will get another few spot starts which worries me. He should be in the bullpen. We're short on reliable starters though. Mathews and Morris are still in AA. We need a good starter at the deadline, and not just a rental either. One impact starter and at least one solid reliever, preferably two and at least one lefty. That would be a successful deadline in my book. I doubt Twins do much of anything though. Maybe they can get a decent reliever for Kepler?

[LambchoP]

1 minute ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I agree that Festa doesn't look like he's ready.  It's debatable whether they should even give him one more start.  He's given up 5 runs in 5 innings in start #1 (it was somewhat overlooked with a 13-run outburst) and now 7 runs in five innings last night.  He's just not ready.

There was another thread on the topic of trade interest in Matt Wallner.  As Doogie was the source there is always a little bit of skepticism regarding his "scoops," but I would like to suggest a package with Wallner being a part of it in a trade for Jesus Luzardo.  We have a gaping hole in our #5 spot in the rotation.  Paddack is not the answer.  Festa is not the answer.  Varland is not the answer, and Dobnak is not the answer.

Luzardo is having a bad year year for a now "dumpster fire" Marlins organization.  His value appears to be the lowest it has been in a long time.  I'm not sure where Wallner's value is at after his rough spring and now red hot June, (he had roughly a 14.0 value last time I checked BBTV's in the winter) but improving the rotation by adding a #2 with 2 more years of control after this season seems like a good move for the "NOW" and the "FUTURE."  I would be happy with a staff or Lopez, Ryan, Luzardo, Ober and SWR.  

It's not like I'm desperate to give up Wallner.  I love his power and cannon-like arm in a corner OF.  But we need to shore up our staff in the "now" and "future" time frame and with Emmanuel Rodriguez on the way and Trevor Larnach showing a bit more consistency I would pursue a move like this.  It would probably take Wallner and "something else" to pull it off.  I don't use Baseball Trade Values anymore because I refuse to pay for something year round that I would only use in July and maybe December-January.  

I'd love to get Luzardo too, but it wouldn't help the team now as you said since he's injured. We would've getting him for next year and hoping for a rebound. Maybe he could pitch in the playoffs this year, but with his struggles all year I doubt the Twins would trust him starting important games...

[TopGunn#22]

Good point LambchoP.   I conveniently and erroneously left out the fact that he's injured now and can't help us in the immediate future.  And no trade could be made unless and until the Twins were confident that a full recovery would be expected for Luzardo.

I think the Twins still need someone reliable to fill out their rotation.  Someone with a proven track record of success but who wouldn't break the bank in a trade or signing.  I imagine the Twins are scouring all available options and are having internal debates about what is out there.  

[LA Vikes Fan]

38 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

I'd love to get Luzardo too, but it wouldn't help the team now as you said since he's injured. We would've getting him for next year and hoping for a rebound. Maybe he could pitch in the playoffs this year, but with his struggles all year I doubt the Twins would trust him starting important games...

Miami has said they won’t trade Luzardo since he’s on the 60 day IL and won’t be available until August. He’s an offseason project. 
 

The guy to be looking at is Tyler Anderson of the Angels. He’s having a great year and has a reasonable contract at 13m a year that runs through 2025. I think he could be had for 2 prospects in the top 30 who aren’t in the top 10. It’s a steep price, but pitching is extremely expensive this time of year. While we’re at it, see what they want for Carlos Estevez in the bullpen but don’t spend a lot on him. Great relief pitcher when he’s on, MLB reliever of the month in June, but he’s not always on.