Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis was scratched from Thursday's exhibition game as a precaution due to tightness in his right side. Lewis experienced discomfort after running the bases during pregame warmups, prompting the Twins to keep him out of action. This marks another injury concern for the young star, who had his 2025 spring training cut short by a strained left hamstring.

The Twins also announced right-hander David Festa will be shut down from throwing for approximately two weeks to address a shoulder impingement. Head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta confirmed this injury differs from the one that sidelined Festa for the final two months of last season. Festa had been competing for a rotation spot or long relief role after making 23 starts over the past two seasons.

These injuries compound Minnesota's pitching woes after ace Pablo Lopez underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday. While Lopez's procedure didn't require full ligament reconstruction, he's expected to miss the entire 2026 season. The Twins now have six legitimate candidates competing for five rotation spots, with All-Star Joe Ryan dealing with lower back tightness but expected to be ready for Opening Day on March 26.